How do flu and cold affect the eyes. What causes watery eyes during respiratory infections. How to differentiate between flu and cold symptoms. What are the key indicators of flu versus common cold. How to manage ocular discomfort during flu or cold.

The Distinction Between Flu and Cold: More Than Meets the Eye

Distinguishing between the flu and a common cold can be challenging, as both illnesses share similar symptoms. However, understanding the nuances can help in proper diagnosis and treatment. The flu, or influenza, is typically more severe and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Why does the flu often feel more intense than a cold. The primary reason lies in the causative agents. While over 200 distinct viruses can cause a cold, only a handful of influenza viruses are responsible for the flu. This difference in viral diversity contributes to the varying intensity of symptoms between the two conditions.

Key Indicators of Flu vs. Cold

• Onset speed: Flu symptoms often appear suddenly, while cold symptoms develop gradually
• Fever: High fever (above 102°F) is common in flu but rare in colds
• Body aches: More severe and widespread in flu
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness is typical in flu, less so in colds
• Cough: Dry cough in flu, productive cough more common in colds

How can you determine if your watery eyes are due to flu or cold. While both conditions can cause ocular symptoms, the flu tends to produce more severe eye discomfort, including sensitivity to light and eye pain.

Ocular Symptoms in Respiratory Infections: Why Your Eyes Water

Watery eyes are a common complaint during both flu and cold infections. This symptom occurs due to the close connection between the nasal passages and the eyes through the nasolacrimal system.

What causes the eyes to water during a respiratory infection. The inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses can lead to increased tear production and drainage issues, resulting in watery eyes. Additionally, the body’s immune response to the viral infection can cause general inflammation, affecting the eyes and tear ducts.

Common Ocular Symptoms in Flu and Cold

1. Excessive tearing
2. Redness and irritation
3. Itching or burning sensation
4. Swollen eyelids
5. Sensitivity to light

Is it possible for flu or cold to directly infect the eyes. While rare, some viruses causing these respiratory infections can potentially spread to the eyes, leading to conditions like viral conjunctivitis. However, most ocular symptoms are secondary effects of the body’s immune response to the infection.

The Role of the Immune System in Ocular Symptoms

The immune system plays a crucial role in the development of ocular symptoms during flu and cold infections. As the body fights off the invading viruses, it releases various inflammatory mediators that can affect different parts of the body, including the eyes.

How does the immune response contribute to watery eyes. The release of histamines and other inflammatory chemicals can cause blood vessels in and around the eyes to dilate, leading to increased tear production and ocular discomfort. This immune-mediated response is part of the body’s attempt to flush out pathogens and protect the delicate tissues of the eye.

Factors Influencing Ocular Symptom Severity

• Individual immune system strength
• Specific viral strain causing the infection
• Pre-existing eye conditions
• Overall health status
• Environmental factors (e.g., dry air, pollutants)

Can the severity of ocular symptoms indicate the type of infection. While not definitive, more intense eye discomfort and watering are often associated with flu infections rather than common colds. However, individual variations can occur, and other symptoms should be considered for accurate diagnosis.

Managing Ocular Discomfort During Flu and Cold

Dealing with watery eyes and other ocular symptoms during a respiratory infection can be uncomfortable. However, there are several strategies to alleviate these symptoms and promote eye comfort while recovering from flu or cold.

How can you reduce eye discomfort during a respiratory infection. Implementing a combination of home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can help manage ocular symptoms effectively. Here are some practical approaches:

Home Remedies for Eye Relief

1. Apply warm compresses to soothe irritated eyes
2. Practice good eye hygiene by gently cleaning eyelids
3. Use artificial tears to lubricate dry eyes
4. Increase humidity in your living space
5. Take frequent breaks from screens to reduce eye strain

Are there any specific eye drops recommended for flu or cold-related eye symptoms. While there are no specific eye drops designed for flu or cold, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can help alleviate dryness and irritation. In cases of severe symptoms or suspected eye infection, consult an eye care professional for appropriate treatment.

Preventing the Spread of Infection to the Eyes

During a flu or cold infection, it’s crucial to prevent the spread of the virus to the eyes. Proper hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of eye-related complications and alleviate existing symptoms.

How can you protect your eyes from viral infection during flu or cold. Implementing the following preventive measures can help safeguard your eyes:

Eye Protection Strategies

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• Use separate towels and washcloths
• Replace eye makeup and contact lenses after recovery
• Clean glasses and sunglasses regularly

Is it safe to wear contact lenses during a flu or cold infection. It’s generally advisable to switch to glasses during a respiratory infection to reduce the risk of eye irritation and potential complications. If you must wear contacts, ensure proper hygiene and consider using daily disposable lenses.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Symptoms

While most ocular symptoms associated with flu and cold resolve on their own, certain situations warrant medical attention. Recognizing these signs can help prevent potential complications and ensure proper treatment.

What eye symptoms during flu or cold require immediate medical care. Be alert for the following warning signs:

Red Flags for Eye-Related Complications

1. Severe eye pain or pressure
2. Sudden vision changes or loss
3. Persistent redness or swelling
4. Thick, colored discharge from the eyes
5. Symptoms lasting more than a week

Can flu or cold lead to long-term eye problems. While rare, severe cases of flu or complications from respiratory infections can potentially affect eye health. Conditions like optic neuritis or uveitis, though uncommon, may occur as a result of viral infections. Prompt medical attention for unusual or severe symptoms can help prevent long-term complications.

The Impact of Flu and Cold on Overall Eye Health

Respiratory infections like flu and cold can have broader implications for eye health beyond immediate symptoms. Understanding these potential effects can help individuals take proactive measures to protect their vision during and after illness.

How do flu and cold affect long-term eye health. While most eye-related symptoms of flu and cold are temporary, repeated or severe infections may contribute to:

Potential Long-Term Eye Health Concerns

• Increased susceptibility to eye infections
• Temporary changes in vision prescription
• Exacerbation of existing eye conditions
• Rarely, development of immune-mediated eye disorders
• Potential impact on tear film quality

Can flu or cold infections affect future eye health. While most individuals fully recover without lasting eye effects, maintaining good eye care practices and overall health can help minimize potential long-term impacts on vision and eye health.

Holistic Approaches to Eye Care During Respiratory Infections

Taking a comprehensive approach to eye care during flu and cold can not only alleviate immediate symptoms but also support overall recovery and eye health. Integrating various strategies can provide more effective relief and protection for your eyes.

What holistic methods can support eye health during flu or cold. Consider incorporating these approaches into your recovery routine:

Comprehensive Eye Care Strategies

1. Maintain a nutrient-rich diet to support immune function
2. Stay hydrated to promote tear production and overall health
3. Get adequate rest to support healing and reduce eye strain
4. Practice stress-reduction techniques to boost immune response
5. Consider supplements like omega-3 fatty acids for eye health

How does overall health impact eye symptoms during respiratory infections. A strong immune system and good general health can help minimize the severity of eye symptoms and promote faster recovery. Focus on a balanced lifestyle that supports both eye and overall health for best results.

In conclusion, understanding the connection between flu, cold, and ocular symptoms can help individuals better manage their health during respiratory infections. By recognizing the signs, implementing proper care strategies, and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can protect your eye health and promote a smoother recovery from flu or cold. Remember that each person’s experience may vary, and consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized advice is always recommended, especially in cases of severe or persistent symptoms.

How to Tell the Difference in Your Symptoms

You have a runny nose, a cough, a fever, and a pounding headache, but what’s making you feel so awful? Figuring out whether you’re dealing with the common cold or the flu is often hard to tell.

Finding the Cause Depends on the Type of Virus

Both a cold and the flu, or influenza, are respiratory infections, but they’re caused by different viruses. A cold can be caused by any one of more than 200 distinct viruses, while there are only a handful of viruses that cause the flu.

As a general rule, the flu is usually more intense and fierce than the common cold. In some situations, it can be important to know if you have the flu, since it is more likely to lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, bacterial infection, or hospitalization. “Watch out for a fever that goes away and then comes back. That could mean that a cold or flu has turned into a bacterial infection,” warns Charles Foster, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases in Ohio.

Key Symptoms of the Flu

Symptoms that indicate flu tend to be more severe than with a cold and include high fever (above 102 F), nausea, cough without phlegm, chills, body aches, sweating, and lack of appetite.

Difference Between the Onset of Cold vs. Flu Symptoms

In addition to examining your symptoms, watching how they develop can give you a clue as to which illness you have. Cold symptoms tend to develop gradually, while flu symptoms can come on suddenly, without warning.

Learn more about Cold and Flu Symptoms

Seeking Medical Care to Determine if You Have a Cold or the Flu

Your doctor can perform tests in the first few days after you develop symptoms to determine whether you have a cold or the flu. However, you usually don’t need to visit the doctor unless your symptoms are severe, you have a pre-existing health problem that puts you at high risk of a complication, or your symptoms indicate a more serious infection.

Whether you have a cold or the flu, expect your symptoms to stick around for about 10 days. There is no cure for a cold, but in some severe cases of the flu, your doctor may recommend an antiviral medication to speed up your recovery time. Antiviral drugs are considered a second line of defense after flu vaccinations.

Since both the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria, antibiotic medicines are not of any use in combating them.

Get plenty of rest, avoid smoking and alcohol, drink plenty of water and juice, and take over-the-counter medication to treat specific symptoms and help you feel better as your body fights off the infection.

Learn more about Cold and Flu Treatment

5 Quick Ways to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose

You don’t have to put up with the pain and pressure of a stuffy nose. Here are five of the best ways to ease congestion — with or without a trip to the…

By Jennifer WarnerJune 15, 2023

7 Facts About Mucus, Phlegm, and Boogers

Mucus may look yucky, but it’s actually pretty amazing stuff with an important job: protecting and moistening your airways.

By Denise MannJune 10, 2023

Why Your Cough Symptoms Get Worse at Night

Got a nagging night cough that’s interrupting your sleep? Here’s why it happens and what to do to feel better.

By Lisa McClure GuthrieMay 9, 2023

Cold and Flu Remedies: Which One Is Best for You?

Drugstore cold medicine and flu products seem to multiply daily. Learn how to pick the right one for your cold symptoms.

By Madeline R. Vann, MPHApril 21, 2023

Your Fall Vaccination Guide: Protect Yourself Against the Flu, Pneumonia, and Shingles

Staying up-to-date on certain vaccines, including COVID-19 shots and boosters, is vital for staying healthy, especially for people age 50 and older.

By Brian P. DunleavyMay 11, 2022

10 Tips for Day and Night Cough Relief

From drugstore staples to home remedies, find out what you should include in your arsenal for fast cough relief.

By Charlotte LibovFebruary 2, 2022

7 Natural Remedies for Congestion Relief

A stuffy nose and clogged sinuses are no fun. Try these natural congestion remedies and start breathing better now.

By Erica PatinoJanuary 25, 2022

Summer Colds Are Making a Comeback

Summer colds are making a comeback as masks come off and people swap germs once again. Here, experts weigh in on what to do if you get sick.

By Paula DerrowAugust 9, 2021

Why Proper Hand-Washing Is Essential During Cold and Flu Season

Whether you use soap and water or hand sanitizer, keeping your hands germ-free can help protect you against influenza and reduce the risk of spreading…

By Elizabeth MillardOctober 13, 2020

Colds and the Flu: Tips for Feeling Better

Am Fam Physician. 2006;74(7):1179-1180

How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?

Colds and the flu cause many of the same symptoms. But colds are usually mild, while the flu tends to be more severe.

A cold often starts with feeling tired, sneezing, coughing, and having a runny nose. You may not have a fever, or you may run a low fever—just 1 or 2 degrees higher than usual. You may have muscle aches, a scratchy or sore throat, watery eyes, and a headache.

The flu starts suddenly and hits hard. You will probably feel weak and tired and have a fever, dry cough, a runny nose, chills, muscle aches, a bad headache, eye pain, and a sore throat. It usually takes longer to get over the flu than a cold.

What causes colds and the flu?

More than 100 different viruses can cause colds. There aren’t as many viruses that cause the flu. That’s why there is a shot for the flu and not for colds. To keep from getting the flu, all children between six months and five years of age, adults older than 50 years, and people with asthma or lung problems should get a flu shot every October or November.

What can I do to feel better?

There is no cure for a cold or the flu. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Unless you have the flu and see your doctor within two days after your symptoms start, all you can do to feel better is treat your symptoms while your body fights off the virus. You can also use over-the-counter cold medicines to help you feel better. Do not give children cold medicine without checking with your doctor first. People who take prescription medicine also should check with their doctor before taking over-the-counter cold medicine.

Ways to treat your cold and flu symptoms

• Stay home and rest, especially while you have a fever.

• Stop smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke.

• Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices, and clear soups.

• Do not drink alcohol.

• Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day if you have a sore throat. Throat sprays or lozenges may also help with the pain.

• Use a nose spray to help loosen mucus and moisten the skin in your nose.

Should I call my doctor?

Most people do not need to see a doctor when they have a cold or the flu. But if you have any of the symptoms in the box below, call your doctor.

Emergency cold and flu symptoms

In children:

• Fever above 102°F (38.9°C) or a fever that lasts a long time

• A cold that lasts for more than 10 days

• Trouble breathing, fast breathing, or wheezing

• Bluish skin

• Not drinking enough fluids

• Earache or drainage from the ear

• Mental changes (such as trouble waking up, irritability, or seizures)

• Flu-like symptoms that get better but come back later with a fever and a worse cough

• Chronic medical problems (such as diabetes or heart disease) that get worse

In adults:

• Fever above 102°F (38. 9°C) or a fever that lasts a long time

• A cold that lasts for more than 10 days

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest

• Fainting or feeling like you are about to faint

• Confusion

• Severe vomiting

• Very bad pain in your face or forehead

• Hoarseness, sore throat, or a cough that won’t go away

Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections – Argun Hospital 1

Colds (ARVI, acute respiratory infections) and influenza are infectious diseases that are caused by viruses. They differ from each other in symptoms, as well as in violation of the functions of certain organs.

Acute respiratory infections mainly affect the upper respiratory tract, ie the nose and pharynx. Symptoms of these diseases include runny nose, watery eyes, weakness, headache, sore throat. Respiratory diseases occur more often in the cold season, but can also be observed in the spring and summer months. SARS last in most cases from 5 to 10 days. Early treatment of such diseases leads to a reduction in symptoms and promotes a rapid recovery.

A completely different picture is observed with influenza infections, which develop mainly in the winter months. Influenza affects not only the respiratory tract, but the entire body. The disease occurs suddenly and is characterized by more severe symptoms. This is, first of all, a high temperature, often accompanied by a feeling of cold up to severe chills. In addition, there is a headache, pain in the joints, muscles and back, a feeling of weakness, aches all over the body, severe weakness. Acute symptoms occur most often within a week. Residual effects – weakness, loss of strength can persist for several more weeks.

Influenza weakens the body and reduces resistance to other diseases. It is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory systems, diabetes mellitus and immune disorders.

There are several types of infection: adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial, parainfluenza. The diagnosis is established by symptoms and epidemiological situation. Treatment necessarily includes antiviral therapy, analgesics, antibacterial agents. With an increase in temperature of more than 38º, it is recommended to use antipyretic drugs.

The source of the spread of viruses in SARS and influenza is sick people . The main route of transmission is airborne . Viruses accumulate and multiply on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Together with droplets of saliva, sputum and mucus, when coughing, sneezing and talking, the patient releases the influenza virus, which spreads over a distance of 1.5 to 3 meters. The influenza virus enters the body of a healthy person through the mucous membrane of the nose, pharynx, larynx, bronchi. A contact route of infection is possible when a person touches objects contaminated with a virus or a patient with his hands, and then touches his eyes, nose, mouth. When infected with the influenza virus, the disease manifests itself after 12 – 72 hours from the moment of infection. The disease begins suddenly. When infected with viruses that cause SARS, the incubation period (the time from contact with the patient to the first signs of the disease) is shorter, and the symptoms appear gradually.

At the heart of predisposition to colds and flu lies primarily the weakening of the body’s own defenses.

There are several universal tips on how to stimulate the body’s defenses , which allows to some extent prevent colds and flu in adults and children:

– eat healthy and vitamin-rich food, more fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products;

– drink more fluids: water, fruit juices, tea up to 2 liters per day;

– Reduce your alcohol intake and refrain from smoking, including passive smoking;

– Rinse nose daily with saline solution or use saline spray to moisten nasal mucosa;

– systematic hardening increases the body’s resistance to infectious diseases. It should be noted that hardening procedures should be started and regular sports activities (including health-improving gymnastics) should be started in the summer period against the background of good health, and not during the period of rising morbidity;

– avoid hypothermia and overheating;

– Ventilate and humidify the air in your living quarters and at work.

Thus, in order to avoid the occurrence of colds, it is necessary to maintain immunity, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and pay attention to preventive measures aimed at preventing the risk of a cold. When the first symptoms of a cold appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and do not prescribe medications yourself!

why children and adults experience pain with influenza and fever, how to relieve it

During a cold, weakness, aches, runny nose, cough, and fever often occur. These symptoms have long become habitual, and pain in the eyes occurs less frequently. Why such a symptom occurs, we understand in the article.

Why eyes hurt with the flu

Influenza is an acute viral disease ¹ . The causative agent of influenza infects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (primarily the trachea) and causes inflammation. As a result of the work of the immune system and the destruction of viruses, a large amount of toxins can enter the blood, so the patient develops symptoms of intoxication:

● increase in body temperature;

● weakness;

● were in the muscles and joints;

● headache ² .

One of the hallmarks of flu intoxication is soreness when moving the eyeballs, which may be accompanied by photophobia and lacrimation. The patient has redness of the eyes because toxins enter the organs of vision and oculomotor muscles through a well-developed vascular network ¹ .

Many people think that the eyes hurt at elevated temperatures. In fact, both pain and fever are due to intoxication, which is why they are often associated. In addition to pain, during a fever, a feeling of heat and dryness appears in the eyes. These symptoms develop due to dilation of blood vessels.

Discomfort in the organs of vision can appear not only because of the flu. Intoxication with fever and discomfort in the eyes accompanies many infections (adenovirus, coronavirus, and others). It just happens more often with the flu ¹ .

Pain in the eyes is more common at the very beginning of the disease and, with proper treatment, disappears after 2-3 days ² .

Why eyes hurt with colds

A cold is considered to be a condition accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, fever and general weakness. However, officially, there is no such diagnosis. Under the common cold, most often mean an acute respiratory viral infection – SARS ³ . That is, the basis of the disease, as in the case of influenza, is infection of the body with respiratory viruses with signs of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

If you experience discomfort in the eyes, you should consult a doctor.

Diagnostics

Most often, no specific tests are required: the doctor will make a diagnosis based on a general examination and anamnesis of the disease. If the infection is severe, PCR diagnostics may be prescribed. It will help to determine the type of pathogen and start the right treatment in time.

To identify complications, the doctor may recommend a general and biochemical blood test, as well as write a referral for additional instrumental studies ³ .

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

● Only one eye hurts;

● decreased visual acuity;

● spots, flies, a feeling of veil or fog appeared in the field of view;

● pain in the eyes is accompanied by a feeling of nausea and dizziness;

● increased heart rate, increased excitability.

These symptoms may be signs of a serious illness.

First aid before going to the doctor

An antipyretic such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Before using any drug, read the instructions or consult your doctor.

Treatment

To get rid of the pain in the eyes, you need to treat the underlying disease. For influenza and SARS, treatment is prescribed by a doctor. It usually includes ³ :

1. Antiviral therapy. Drugs will help the body get rid of the pathogen, and recovery will come faster.

Direct acting antivirals include Nobasit ^® Forte ⁵ . Its active ingredient (enisamia iodide) is unique in having an additional anti-inflammatory effect comparable in strength to Ibuprofen ⁴ . Enisamia iodide is able not only to reduce by 3 times the severity of symptoms of body intoxication in influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, such as fever, muscle pain, headache already starting from the second day of taking ⁵ *, but also to reduce local manifestations of a cold – pain in throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, sneezing ⁵

2. Symptomatic therapy. It is aimed at reducing the severity of the clinical symptoms of the disease and is prescribed to alleviate the patient’s condition, for example, antipyretic and analgesic drugs, vasoconstrictor drops in the nose.
3. Drink plenty of water. It will help to remove metabolic products and reduce the severity of intoxication.

Briefly about the main

➢ Pain in the eyes occurs as a result of intoxication. Therefore, most often it occurs with influenza, which is often accompanied by an intoxication syndrome, and less often with SARS caused by other respiratory viruses.

➢ The pain in the eyes is not directly related to fever. But fever can exacerbate poor health and add a feeling of heat and dryness in the eyes to unpleasant symptoms.

➢ When pain occurs in the eyes, it is important to consult a doctor in time to find out the cause of the symptom.

➢ To combat the cause of the disease of a viral nature, it is recommended to use direct antiviral drugs, for example, Nobasit ^®
Forte ⁶

➢ To alleviate the general condition of the patient, you can take an antipyretic and / or anti-inflammatory drug (paracetamol or ibuprofen), and use vasoconstrictor drugs for a runny nose

➢ Pain in the eyes due to fever is not treated separately. It goes along with the underlying disease.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

¹ Clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation “Influenza in adults”, 2022.

² Nekhaev S.G., Badakva T.L. Analysis of clinical symptoms, laboratory and instrumental data in different periods of influenza patients // Bulletin of new medical technologies. Electronic edition. 2019.No. 3. Publication 3-9. DOI: 10.24411/2075-4094-2019-16408.

³ Clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation “Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in adults”, 2021.

⁴ Zyryanov S.K., Butranova O.I., Gaidai D.S., Kryshen K.L. Pharmacotherapy of acute respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses. Therapeutic archive. 2021; 93(1): 114–124. DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2021.01.200551

⁵ Lioznov D.A. Karnaukhova E.Yu.