Do you have influenza (flu) or the common cold? These are its symptoms, differences and treatment – ​​El Financiero

The federal Ministry of Health issued an epidemiological warning a few weeks ago due to an increase in respiratory illnesses, mainly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in Mexico.

Since then, Mexico has experienced severe weather characterized by low temperatures caused by the entry of cold fronts. Increased number of respiratory disease infections domestic.

The most common illness in Mexico during the winter is influenza, commonly known as the flu, the common cold, and other respiratory illnesses.

Although these types of illnesses have very similar symptoms, it is necessary to be aware of the discomfort in order to know what illness we have and how we should respond.

What is influenza?

explains Dr. Roxana Trejo González, Corporate Manager of Epidemiology at ABC Medical Center Flu is an infection caused by a virus

.this infection Attack the respiratory tract.

According to experts, millions of people get the flu every year, and most of the time the illness is mild; however, Yes, it has the potential to become a serious health condition. Even lead to death.

---

People most at risk Severe cases of influenza include newborns, people over 65 years old, or people with certain chronic diseases.

How is influenza spread?

Do you remember the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases? A similar situation occurs with influenza.The virus is Influenza can spread from person to person, Not covering their mouth when they cough, talk at close range, or sneeze.

ABC experts noted that the virus is spread through small droplets of saliva that can be deposited in other people’s noses or mouths.

flu symptoms

As we told you above, people who have the flu or influenza exhibit symptoms that are very similar to those experienced when contracting a common cold. Therefore, it is important not to confuse these symptoms.

Some symptoms of the flu are:

• fatigue
• nasal congestion
• Headache
• sore throat
• body or muscle pain
• Chilled all over
• Having a fever or feeling like you have a fever
• cough

Dr. Trejo González details flu symptoms such as Vomiting and diarrhea usually occur in Few cases, main impact minor.

What is the difference between influenza (flu) and a cold?

One of the problems with respiratory disease is Your symptoms can be confusing Therefore, choosing the wrong treatment or self-treatment may even contribute to pandemics such as antibiotic resistance.

According to experts, Flu symptoms occur suddenlyand the cold gradually begins.

Pain, fever, and fatigue are less common with a cold, but its presence is common in influenza. Additionally, stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat are common symptoms of colds and only appear in certain circumstances with the flu.

sometimes, There may be complications from the flu, such as:

• bronchitis
• encephalitis
• ear infection
• myocarditis
• Myositis
• pneumonia
• rhabdomyolysis
• sinusitis

Other chronic health problems, such as asthma, may also be worsened in people with the flu.

What is the treatment for influenza?

The first way to prevent this disease is to get a flu shot.especially Vaccine-derived immunity wanes over time

therefore it is recommended to administer the dose once a year.

“Generally, people who get the flu recover without medical treatment, and this is for mild cases. Avoiding leaving home and coming into contact with other people is a good tip to prevent the virus from continuing to spread.” ABC Medical Center details .

People at high risk for influenza should receive immediate medical care at the first symptoms of any complications.

Medical treatment is also recommended on a case-by-case basis.