Often confused, this is difference between cold and flu

In the transition season or rainy season like now, colds and flu often appear. If you have experienced symptoms, such as sneezing, sore throat or stuffy nose, some people will assume it is a symptom of the flu. However, there are also some people who say it is a symptom of a cold. In fact, colds and flu are two different diseases.

Have a cold

Common cold is an upper respiratory tract disorder caused by a viral infection. Actually there are hundreds of types of viruses that cause colds. However, Rhinovirus is type of virus that most often causes runny nose to sneezing.

Although it can appear at any time, colds are usually most common in winter or rainy season. This is because most cold viruses thrive in low temperatures (cold) and dry air.

Common cold is also a contagious disease. You can catch cold virus if you accidentally inhale droplets of saliva in air that an infected person coughs or sneezes. In addition, holding surface of an object that has been contaminated by splashes of saliva containing the cold virus, then directly touching your nose, mouth, or eyes can also be a way for cold virus to enter your body.

Cold symptoms will appear two to three days after the cold virus enters body. Symptoms you will feel when you have a cold are:

• Sore throat, which usually goes away in a day or two.

• Stuffy or runny nose.

• Sneeze.

• Cough with green or yellow phlegm.

• Headaches (occasionally).

• Body feels weak.

• Fever.

• Reduced sense of smell and taste.

Snot that comes out during a cold is usually clear for the first few days. However, longer mucus texture can be thicker and darker in color. That's a sign that there is an effort to fight against viral infections in your body.

Colds usually clear up within 7 to 10 days. But to get well quickly, those of you who have a cold are recommended to get enough rest, eat foods rich in fiber, and drink lots of water to replace fluids lost from the body.

Flu

Flu or commonly called influenza is a viral infection that attacks respiratory system, which is the system consisting of nose, throat, and lungs. There are three types of viruses that cause flu, namely influenza A, influenza B, and influenza C. However, flu is most often caused by influenza types A and B. Unlike the common cold, which can occur at any time, the flu is a seasonal disease.

Way flu virus is transmitted is same as the cold, namely through the saliva that is released by the sufferer when coughing or sneezing that is accidentally inhaled. However, unlike common cold, flu can develop into more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. This is especially prone to occur in children, pregnant women, elderly, people with chronic diseases (heart failure, lung failure or diabetes), and people who have weak immune systems such as people with HIV.

Flu symptoms also appear faster and more severe than cold symptoms. The flu symptoms are :

• High fever for 3-5 days, although these symptoms do not occur in all patients.

• Headache.

• Coughs.

• Decreased appetite.

• Sore throat.

Flu symptoms can get worse in two to five days. That is why those of you who have flu need to drink lots of water and get enough rest. To reduce flu symptoms, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen that are sold over-the-counter at pharmacies.

Well, that's the difference between flu and cold. If you experience the symptoms as I mentioned, you should immediately consult a doctor to get advice for right treatment. You can also directly buy cold or flu medicine at nearest pharmacy in your area. Thank you for reading to the end! May be useful.