What is the difference between a cold and the flu? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the flu and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.
Experts explain that the flu is “caused only by influenza viruses, while the common cold can be caused by several different viruses, including rhinovirus, parainfluenza (a respiratory virus that infects the lungs, respiratory tract and causes “cold-like symptoms”) and seasonal influenza .Coronavirus.”
They also make clear that “seasonal coronaviruses should not be confused with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.”
Since the flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it is difficult to distinguish them based on symptoms alone, so it is recommended to pay attention to the intensity and speed of their onset.
“In general, the flu is more severe than the common cold, with symptoms usually more severe and onset more sudden. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose than people with the flu. Colds generally do not cause serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infection, or hospitalization. Influenza can cause serious related complications,” they detail.
Colds and Flu
Flu symptoms may include fever or fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and tiredness.
Also, cold symptoms are usually milder than flu symptoms. People with a cold are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds usually do not cause serious health problems.
The advice this winter is to remain vigilant to detect any conditions that require more specific treatment and to avoid complications.
Flu complications
People who experience these warning signs should seek medical attention immediately.
among the child population
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Lips or face appear blue.
Ribs contract with each breath
chest pain
Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears)
Not alert or interactive when awake
epileptic seizure
A fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit that is not controlled by medications
Any fever in a child under 12 weeks of age
Fever or cough gets better but then comes back or gets worse
Exacerbation of chronic disease
among adults
Difficulty breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Persistent dizziness, confusion, and inability to wake up
epileptic seizure
no urine
severe muscle pain
Severe weakness or instability
Fever or cough gets better but then comes back or gets worse
Exacerbation of chronic disease