What are the key differences between a cold and the flu. How can you tell if you have a cold or the flu. What are the best ways to prevent and treat these common viral infections.

Understanding the Common Cold and Influenza

Colds and influenza (flu) are both respiratory infections caused by viruses, but they are distinct conditions with some important differences. While they share some similar symptoms, the flu is generally more severe than a common cold. Most people catch colds multiple times per year, whereas flu infections typically occur only a few times per decade for most individuals.

What causes colds and flu?

Over 200 different viruses can cause the common cold, with rhinoviruses being the most frequent culprit. The flu, on the other hand, is caused by influenza viruses. The diversity of cold viruses explains why there is no vaccine for the common cold, while flu vaccines are available and updated annually to target the most prevalent strains.

Comparing Cold and Flu Symptoms

While colds and flu share some overlapping symptoms, there are key differences in their presentation and severity. Understanding these distinctions can help you determine which condition you may be dealing with.

Common Cold Symptoms

• Fever up to 102°F (38.9°C)
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Green or yellow nasal discharge
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Mild fatigue
• Mild muscle aches
• Headache
• Watery eyes

Cold symptoms typically develop gradually and are generally milder compared to flu symptoms.

Flu Symptoms

• Fever over 102°F (38.9°C)
• Stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Chills and sweats
• Severe fatigue
• Intense muscle aches, especially in back, legs, and arms
• Cough
• Headache
• Poor appetite

Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and are typically more intense than cold symptoms. The high fever, severe body aches, and extreme fatigue are hallmarks of influenza that distinguish it from the common cold.

H2N1 Flu: A Notable Variant

One particular strain of influenza that has garnered attention is H2N1, sometimes referred to as “swine flu.” This respiratory infection is caused by a virus originally found in pigs but capable of infecting humans. While its symptoms are similar to other flu strains, H2N1 has been associated with more severe outbreaks and complications in certain populations.

When to Seek Medical Attention

For most cases of the common cold or flu, home care and rest are sufficient. However, certain symptoms warrant medical attention, especially in children and adults with underlying health conditions.

Serious Symptoms in Children

• High fever (above 103°F or 39.4°C)
• Fever lasting more than 3 days
• Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or wheezing
• Bluish skin color
• Ear pain or drainage
• Difficulty waking up
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Symptoms that improve and then return with fever or worsening cough
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions
• Severe vomiting or abdominal pain

Serious Symptoms in Adults

• High, prolonged fever (above 102°F or 38.9°C) with severe fatigue and body aches
• Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days or worsening over time
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Fainting or feeling faint
• Confusion or disorientation
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Intense sinus pain in the face or forehead
• Swollen glands in the neck or jaw

If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider promptly.

Diagnosis of Colds and Flu

Diagnosing a common cold typically relies on a clinical assessment of symptoms, as there is no specific test for this condition. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and recommend appropriate symptom management strategies.

For suspected flu cases, diagnostic testing is available. The most common method involves swabbing the inside of the nose or back of the throat to collect a sample for analysis. Results from these tests are usually available relatively quickly, allowing for prompt initiation of antiviral treatment if necessary.

Prevention Strategies for Colds and Flu

While it’s not always possible to avoid catching a cold or the flu, several preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk:

1. Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face. This simple habit can greatly reduce the spread of viruses.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep all contribute to a strong immune system, making you more resilient to infections.
3. Use proper coughing and sneezing etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent spreading germs.
4. Regularly clean and disinfect common surfaces: Pay attention to frequently touched areas like tables, doorknobs, toys, and bathroom fixtures. Use appropriate disinfectants to kill germs.
5. Get vaccinated against the flu: Annual flu vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza. They are generally safe for adults and children over 6 months of age.

Flu Vaccination: What You Need to Know

Flu vaccines are typically available throughout the flu season, with October and November being the optimal months for vaccination. The vaccine comes in two forms: an injectable shot and a nasal spray.

• The flu shot is safe for adults and children 6 months and older. It’s strongly recommended for all children between 6 and 59 months of age.
• The nasal spray vaccine contains live but weakened viruses. It’s approved for healthy individuals aged 2 years and older who don’t have asthma or breathing problems.

It’s important to note that you cannot contract the flu from either form of the vaccine. While some vaccinated individuals may still get the flu, their symptoms are typically milder compared to those who are unvaccinated.

Treatment Options for Colds and Flu

There is no cure for the common cold or flu, and antibiotics are ineffective against these viral infections. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the body’s natural healing process.

Home Care and Over-the-Counter Remedies

• Rest and hydration: Get plenty of sleep and drink ample fluids to help your body fight the infection.
• Pain and fever relief: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help manage low-grade fevers, mild aches, and pains.
• Nasal decongestants and cough suppressants: These can provide temporary relief from stuffy noses and persistent coughs.
• Saltwater gargles: This can soothe a sore throat and help reduce swelling.
• Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can ease congestion and coughing.

Antiviral Medications for Influenza

In some cases, especially for high-risk individuals or those with severe symptoms, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications for the flu. These drugs can shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the risk of complications. They are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Common antiviral medications for influenza include:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)
• Peramivir (Rapivab)
• Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)

These medications may come in pill, liquid, or inhaled forms. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate option based on your specific situation and medical history.

Recovery and Preventing Spread

Most people recover from colds and flu within 1-2 weeks. During this time, it’s crucial to:

• Stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others
• Continue to practice good hygiene, especially hand washing
• Avoid close contact with high-risk individuals, such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems
• Dispose of used tissues promptly and properly
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home

If your symptoms persist or worsen beyond the typical duration, or if you develop any of the serious symptoms mentioned earlier, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

Long-Term Health Considerations

While most colds and flu cases resolve without complications, these infections can sometimes lead to more serious health issues, particularly in vulnerable populations. Potential complications include:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Exacerbation of existing chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease)

Individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic health conditions, young children, and older adults are at higher risk for these complications. This underscores the importance of prevention strategies and prompt treatment when necessary.

Building Long-Term Immunity

Each exposure to a cold or flu virus can help strengthen your immune system’s ability to recognize and fight off similar viruses in the future. However, due to the vast number of virus strains and their ability to mutate, it’s not possible to become completely immune to all colds or flu.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management, can all contribute to a robust immune system that is better equipped to ward off infections.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

The field of virology is continuously evolving, with researchers working to develop new strategies for preventing and treating viral respiratory infections. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Universal flu vaccines that could provide protection against multiple strains of influenza
• Novel antiviral medications with broader efficacy and fewer side effects
• Improved diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate identification of specific viral strains
• Understanding the long-term effects of repeated viral infections on the immune system
• Exploring the potential of immunomodulatory therapies to enhance the body’s natural defenses against viruses

As our understanding of these common yet complex viral infections grows, we can expect to see advancements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies in the coming years.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

While colds and flu are both common respiratory infections caused by viruses, they have distinct characteristics in terms of severity, duration, and potential complications. Understanding the differences between these conditions can help you take appropriate action when symptoms arise.

Remember these key points:

• Flu symptoms are generally more severe and onset more rapidly than cold symptoms
• Prevention strategies like hand washing, vaccination, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are crucial
• Most cases can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter remedies
• Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or are at high risk for complications
• Antiviral medications may be prescribed for flu cases, especially if caught early
• Stay home when sick to prevent spreading the infection to others

By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your health, you can minimize the impact of colds and flu on your life and the lives of those around you. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your symptoms or overall health.

Colds and The Flu: Difference Between Cold and Flu

What is a cold and what is the flu?

A cold and the flu are viral infections. They both affect your respiratory system. This includes your throat, nose, airway and lungs. It is difficult to tell the two apart. The flu is generally worse than a cold. It is common to get a cold more than once a year. Most people get the flu only a few times every 10 years.

Symptoms of a cold or the flu

A cold and the flu have similar symptoms. However, they are two different conditions.

Cold symptoms include:

• Fever up to 102°F
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Green or yellow nasal discharge
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Feeling tired
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Watery eyes
• Symptoms develop slowly
• Symptoms are mild

Flu symptoms include:

• Fever over 102°F
• Stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Chills and sweats
• Feeling tired
• Muscle aches, especially in back, legs, and arms
• Cough
• Headache
• Poor appetite
• Symptoms appear suddenly
• Symptoms are more intense

One particular type of flu is considered serious. It is called h2N1 flu. Some people call it swine flu. It is a respiratory infection. It is caused by a virus found in pigs. It can infect humans. Its symptoms are similar to other flu symptoms.

For a common cold or the flu, you don’t need to see your doctor. However, if your symptoms become serious, call or see your doctor. Serious symptoms for children include:

• High fever (above 103°F)
• Fever that lasts for more than 3 days
• Trouble breathing, fast breathing, or wheezing
• Bluish skin color
• Earache or ear drainage
• Difficulty waking up
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Symptoms that improve and then return with a fever or worse cough
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease)
• Vomiting or stomach pain

Serious symptoms in adults include:

• A high, prolonged fever (above 102°F) with fatigue and body aches
• Symptoms that last longer than 10 days or get worse
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Fainting or feeling like you are going to faint
• Confusion or disorientation
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Severe sinus pain in your face or forehead
• Swollen gland in the neck or jaw

Cold and flu symptoms can last between 2 and 14 days.

What causes a cold or the flu?

Viruses cause colds and the flu. More than 200 different viruses can cause colds. Not as many viruses cause the flu. That’s why there’s a vaccine available for the flu and not for colds.

How is a cold or the flu diagnosed?

There is no test to diagnose a cold. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and suggest treating the symptoms. If your doctor suspects you have the flu, he or she may test you. The test involves swabbing the inside of your nose or back of your throat. Results are available fairly quickly.

Can a cold or flu be prevented or avoided?

There are things you can do to reduce your risks for colds and flu. They include:

• Wash your hands frequently. Use soap. This stops the spread of germs.
• Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. These things boost your immune system.
• Cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow (not your hands).
• Clean common surfaces, such as tables, counters, toys, door handles and bathrooms. Use anti-bacterial disinfectants.
• Get a flu vaccine (shot or nasal spray). It is available through flu season. The best time is October and November. The flu shot is safe for adults and all children 6 months of age and older. It is strongly recommended that all children 6 months of age to 59 months of age get a yearly flu shot. The nasal-spray vaccine contains live but weakened viruses. It is safe for adults and all children 2 years of age and older who do not have asthma or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor before getting the nasal spray vaccine. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot or the nasal-spray vaccine. Some people who get the vaccine will still get the flu. They usually get a milder case than people who aren’t vaccinated. The vaccine is recommended for people who are more likely to get really sick from flu-related complications.

Colds and the flu treatment

There’s no cure for the common cold or the flu. Antibiotics do not work against the viruses that cause colds and the flu. The illness has to run its course. You can do some things to ease your symptoms. For a low fever, mild aches, and pains, take products such as acetaminophen (one brand: Tylenol), naproxen (one brand: Aleve) or ibuprofen (one brand: Advil). Drink plenty of fluids. Get as much sleep as you can. Stay home to avoid spreading germs to others.

Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine for the flu. This only shortens the length of time you are sick. These medicines come as pills, syrup or in an inhaler. The inhaled type may cause problems for some people who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some antiviral medicines can cause nausea and vomiting.

When easing a child’s symptoms, acetaminophen (one brand: Children’s Tylenol) can help ease pain and lower a fever. Be sure you are giving your child the correct dose according to his or her age and weight.

Nasal sprays and decongestants are not recommended for young children. They may cause side effects. Cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children. This is especially true for those younger than 2. There is little evidence that cough and cold medicines and nasal decongestants are effective in treating children.

To treat your child’s cold or the flu, make sure that your child rests. Give him or her plenty of fluids. Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your child’s bedroom. This will help with nasal congestion. Use a saline nasal spray to thin nasal mucus. Use a bulb syringe to suction mucus out of your baby or child’s nose.

Living with a cold or the flu

Cold and flu symptoms are uncomfortable. You will not feel well for the time it takes your cold and flu to run its course. Ease your symptoms with rest, fluids, over-the-counter medicine, and blowing your nose.

Questions to ask your doctor

• How long will my cold or flu symptoms last?
• How long should I or my child stay home?
• Do all cold and flu medicines require prescriptions?
• Can I get the flu vaccine while I’m sick?
• Is the vaccine effective after I’ve had the flu?
• I’m pregnant. Is there danger to my baby from the flu?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cold Versus Flu

U.S. National Library of Medicine, Common Cold

U.S. National Library of Medicine, Flu

Sneezing, Fever, Aches and More

What are the symptoms of a common cold?

Common cold symptoms appear about one to three days after the body becomes infected with a cold virus. The short period before symptoms appear is called the “incubation” period. Symptoms are frequently gone in seven to 10 days, although they can last from two to 14 days.

A runny nose or nasal congestion (stuffy nose) are two of the most common symptoms of a cold. These symptoms result when excess fluid causes blood vessels and mucous membranes within the nose to swell. Within three days, nasal discharge tends to become thicker and yellow or green in color. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these types of nasal discharge are normal. Someone with a cold also may have postnasal drip, where mucus travels from the nose down to the throat.

These nasal symptoms are common with colds. However, call your doctor if they last more than 10 days, you begin to have yellow/green nasal discharge, or a severe headache or sinus pain, as you may have developed a sinus infection (called sinusitis).

Sneezing is triggered when the mucous membranes of the nose and throat are irritated. When a cold virus infects nasal cells, the body releases its own natural inflammatory mediators, such as histamine. When released, inflammatory mediators cause the blood vessels to dilate and leak, and the mucus glands secrete fluid. This leads to the irritation that causes sneezing.

A dry cough or one that brings up mucus, known as a wet or productive cough, can accompany a cold. Coughs tend to be the last cold-related symptom to go away and they can last from one to three weeks. Contact your doctor if coughing lasts several days.

You should also contact your doctor if you have any of the following cough-related symptoms:

• a cough accompanied by blood
• a cough accompanied by yellow or green mucus that is thick and smells bad
• a severe cough that comes on suddenly
• a cough in a person with a heart condition or who has swollen legs
• a cough that worsens when you lie down
• a cough accompanied by a loud noise when you breathe in
• a cough accompanied by fever
• a cough accompanied by night sweating or sudden weight loss
• your child who is less than 3 months old has a cough

A sore throat feels dry, itchy, and scratchy, makes swallowing painful, and can even make eating solid food difficult. A sore throat can be caused by inflamed tissues brought on by a cold virus. It can also be caused by postnasal drip or even something as simple as prolonged exposure to a hot, dry environment.

In some cases, a cold virus can cause slight all-over body aches, or headache. These symptoms are more common with the flu.

A low-grade fever may occur in those with a common cold. If you or your child (6 weeks and older) has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, contact your doctor. If your child is younger than 3 months and has a fever of any kind, the CDC recommends calling your doctor.

Other symptoms that may occur in those with a common cold include watery eyes and mild fatigue.

In most cases, symptoms of the common cold are not cause for concern and can be treated with fluids and rest. But colds are not to be taken lightly in infants, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. A common cold can even be fatal to the most vulnerable members of society if it turns into a serious chest infection like bronchiolitis, caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Adults

With the common cold, you are not likely to experience a high fever or be sidelined by fatigue. These are symptoms commonly associated with the flu. So, see your doctor if you have:

• cold symptoms that last longer than 10 days
• fever of 100.4°F or higher
• a fever with sweating, chills, or a cough that produces mucus
• severely swollen lymph nodes
• sinus pain that is severe
• ear pain
• chest pain
• trouble breathing or shortness of breath

Children

See your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child:

• is under 6 weeks and has a fever of 100°F or higher
• is 6 weeks or older and has a fever of 101.4°F or higher
• has a fever that has lasted for more than three days
• has cold symptoms (of any type) that have lasted for more than 10 days
• is vomiting or having abdominal pain
• is having difficulty breathing or is wheezing
• has a stiff neck or severe headache
• is not drinking and is urinating less than usual
• is having trouble swallowing or is drooling more than usual
• is complaining of ear pain
• has a persistent cough
• is crying more than usual
• seems unusually sleepy or irritable
• has a blue or gray tint to their skin, especially around the lips, nose, and fingernails

Read more: Is it a cold or the flu? »

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Fever, cough, stuffy nose and other symptoms of omicron in children

A distinctive feature of the new strain of omicron is its rapid spread among children. If in previous waves the virus hit mainly the older generation, now kids under five years of age are admitted to the hospital. What is the peculiarity of the course of infection in children and in what ways can they be protected?

Symptoms depend on age

– Children are mildly ill, but there are also hospitalized. As of January 28, there were 696 minors. There is no one on the ventilator due to respiratory failure, – said Elena Krotkova, First Deputy Minister of Health.

As for the symptoms, they depend on the age of the patient. As Oksana Romanova, head of the Department of Children’s Diseases of the Belarusian State Medical University, noted, it is mainly about fever, cough, nasal congestion, and pharyngitis. In rare cases, schoolchildren may experience shortness of breath, a more intense headache. There are also gastrointestinal symptoms.

– Children have been sick and will get sick, but the pediatric service has learned to cope well with this disease since the beginning of the pandemic. At first, children tolerated the coronavirus easily, there were many asymptomatic cases. The past year changed this situation: various clinical manifestations were increasingly noted. Nevertheless, most of the forms remained asymptomatic or mild, – said Oksana Romanova.

According to the specialist, only 2% of small patients had a severe manifestation, 0.7% of cases had an extremely severe manifestation. Foreign doctors operate with the same figures.

No changes in treatment

In recent days, the number of hospitalizations of children has increased. So, for example, on January 30, 45 patients turned to the capital’s children’s infectious diseases hospital, of which 40 were admitted for inpatient treatment.

– No one got into intensive care, including machine breathing, – assured Oksana Romanova. – Yes, we have one child who had a positive antigen last week. However, medical treatment paid off. Now we can state that it is a bacterial infection. However, I cannot say that there is a large flow of hospitalizations. There is also no shortage of beds. All are working normally. Those who test positive for the antigen are sent to the coronavirus department.

As for the methods of treating COVID-19 in children, there have been no fundamental changes: in severe cases, the drug Remdesavir is used.

– When in the first seven days of the disease its severe course is observed, – the specialist explained. – If the child is treated on an outpatient basis, then you need to drink plenty of fluids. At high temperatures – antipyretic.

Oksana Romanova also spoke about vaccination among adolescents and noted that now there is a temporary recommendation to vaccinate children from 12 years of age. Under certain circumstances, the age limit will be lowered.

– Especially for those at risk. These children need to be protected from the coronavirus infection in the first place, because it can be difficult for them. Now there is a Chinese vaccine that can be vaccinated from the age of three. Data on Sputnik will appear approximately in 2023, the head of the department specified.

How can I protect my child from omicron?

It is recommended to wear a mask. Especially in schools. The mask must be changed every two hours.

Try to limit your visits to crowded places and public events.

Remember about vaccination.

Get your child vaccinated if they are 12 or older.

Alexander NOVOKHROST,

newspaper “7 Days”.-0-

All about flu and cold symptoms

nasal congestion due to an infection, such as a cold.

Most often it is just a little discomfort, but in the case of young children, congestion can become a problem that affects their breathing and breastfeeding. ¹

Nasal congestion treatment

Vasoconstrictors may temporarily relieve nasal congestion caused by the common cold.

Saline nasal sprays and humidifiers can also help clear the airways. ¹

More

Sinus congestion

Your sinuses are presented as four sets of air chambers. Inside, they are lined with a mucous membrane that keeps the nose moist.

With a cold or an allergy, the mucous membrane becomes irritated and begins to produce excessive amounts of mucus. ²

Treatment of sinus congestion

Similar to the treatment of nasal congestion: vasoconstrictors can temporarily relieve sinus congestion.

Saline nasal sprays and humidifiers can also help clear your airways. ²

More

Fever

Fever, or a temporary increase in body temperature above 37°C, is a key indicator of the body’s fight against a number of infections.

In adults, fever is generally not considered an urgent problem until body temperature rises to 39°C or more.

However, even a slightly elevated temperature in infants and young children may indicate a serious infection. ³

Fever Relief

Although a high fever usually resolves within a few days, antipyretics such as paracetamol can help bring the body temperature down to normal. ³

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Headache

Headache is of two types: primary and secondary.

Primary headache is a headache that does not have a structural, infectious, or metabolic cause*. These types of headaches are identified by clinical symptoms and the diagnosis is based primarily on an accurate and thorough history taking*.

A secondary headache usually occurs when something attacks the body from outside, such as the influenza virus. ⁴

Headache treatment

Pain relievers such as paracetamol can relieve mild to moderate headaches, including flu. ⁴

More info

Body aches

Pain all over your body usually means that something is going on in your body, such as developing a disease or infection such as the flu.

If the pain is limited to a specific part of the body, it is most likely not related to a cold or flu and may be the result of stress or intense exercise. ⁷

Treating body pain

Pain relievers such as paracetamol can help relieve body pain if you have the flu. ⁷

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Runny nose

When you are sick, you get a runny nose because bacteria, allergens or the cold or flu virus attack and irritate the nasal mucosa.

An inflammatory process begins, during which an increased amount of mucus is produced. ⁸

Treatment of the common cold

The common cold can be relieved by antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and dimentindene maleate.