What Is The Difference Between A Cold And The Flu ?
Flu and common cold are one of the most common infections that you encounter with in your life. But they aren’t same at all. Here are some of the main differences between flu and cold that can help you in identifying them apart.
Getting up in the morning with head aching, stuffy nose and scratchy throatare the symptoms of cold or flue. Flu and cold are one of the most look alike infections that are very hard to tell apart. Both of them are respiratory illness that are caused by viruses. They seem similar due to the symptoms but they are two different problems that should be treated accordingly. There are some differences that you can keep in mind to differentiate between both of them.
Common Cold
If you had cold then you might have runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough, head ache, body ache and mild tiredness. Cold is often milder then the flu. You can get better in 7 to 10 days but the symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. According to the American Lung Association common cold can cause by 200 different viruses. Cold is highly contagious that’s why you are advised to put your mask on and avoid sharing your water bottle. You can catch cold at any time of the year but they are more common in wintertime of the year because cold causing viruses thrive in low humidity and cold climate. Cold is a viral infection so antibiotics are not effective at treating it. That’s why you have to see a doctor if it gets severe and take proper medication for it.
Influenza or Flu
The main symptoms of flu are Dry cough, moderate high fever, sore throat, shaking chills, severe muscle and body aches, head ache, runny or stuffy nose, nausea and vomiting and severe fatigue that can last up to two week. It can also cause diarrhea in children. Flu symptoms come on quickly and they can be severe. It is also known as seasonal flu and its season usually runs from fall to spring and reach at peaks during winter months. It is also very contagious and it can cause severe health issues unlike common flue. If its not treated properly on times then it can cause Pneumonia especially in young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weak immune system and health problems like asthma, heart diseases and diabetes. In most cases rest and in taking fluids is the best way to treat the flu because drinking fluids can prevent dehydration. See your doctor if the symptoms gets worse and last longer then usual.
