Cold vs Flu: How to Tell the Difference

 

Cold vs Flu: How to Tell the Difference

With the cold and the weather changes, respiratory diseases appear. The arrival of winter contributes to the proliferation of these diseases since the cold causes a decrease in the defensive capacity of the mucous membranes of the upper airways. And because they arrive at the same time of year and have some common symptoms, the flu and the common cold are often confused. However, both conditions are different in intensity and risk of complications, so it is important to know how to differentiate them. You can purchase Tamiflu Capsules or Relenza online in the UK at Pharmacy Planet.

Next, we explain the characteristics of these two respiratory diseases and how to prevent them.

Differences and similarities between flu and cold
Both are caused by viruses, but they are of a different type. The origin of the flu is the “Influenza”, mainly of the H1N1 type, although it has the peculiarity of modifying from time to time, which causes its symptoms to be different and more or less noticeable depending on the modification they present. Those that cause the cold are usually the rhinovirus and coronavirus. In addition, it is more common and can be suffered several times a year.

The most visible difference between the two diseases is the intensity of the symptoms. Unlike the cold, the flu is much more intense and debilitating and can cause a high fever for three days or more. Another difference is that the flu comes on suddenly and its symptoms can last for a week or two. On the contrary, the cold comes gradually and has a shorter duration.

Common symptoms are nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, cough, sore throat and headache, and loss of appetite. The cold hardly causes fever, or if it does, it is very low and generates general discomfort and fatigue. In the flu, the fever is moderate or high and the discomfort goes a little further, causing moderate or severe muscle aches, chills and fatigue.

Treatment
The basic treatment of both diseases is very similar, although if there are complications or high fever occurs for many days, it is necessary to see a doctor evaluate the condition.

●  Analgesics and antipyretics, such as paracetamol, to relieve pain, discomfort and fever.

● Medicines to improve cold symptoms, such as antitussives or decongestants.

●  Plenty of fluids and, if necessary, an expectorant to help clear mucus.

●  Rest. 

It is important to keep in mind that taking an antibiotic is useless since, being diseases caused by viruses, this type of medicine can do nothing.