Flu vs. cold: How to tell the difference
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As the cooler months roll in, so are the common illnesses that go along with the season.
The most recurrent among these are cold and flu, with reported cases usually spiking up from October until February.
Both are classified as respiratory disease and share similar symptoms that it's hard to differentiate one from the other.
In truth, flu and cold are caused by different viruses.
The influenza virus is responsible for the flu, while rhinovirus is the usual culprit when it comes to the common cold although there are more than 200 virus strains that can trigger the illness.
And while both exhibit almost similar effects, the easiest way to put it is that cold is milder than flu and does not usually lead to serious health complications.
Cold symptoms
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The common signs of a cold are runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sore throat. Fatigue, muscle ache, and loss of appetite are also hallmarks of the disease.
A cold usually lasts from seven days to three weeks depending on its severity and a person's general health condition at the time of catching the virus.
Treatment includes medication such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, plenty of rest, and drinking lots of fluid to keep the body hydrated
Flu symptoms
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Flu, on the other hand, starts with the same symptoms associated with a cold. Its symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, fever, fatigue, and chills for some people.
However, not everyone with the flu will experience fever.
Some people, especially children, will also exhibit vomiting and diarrhea. More serious symptoms are shortness of breath, severe muscle pain, constant dizziness, and difficulty in urinating.
What makes flu even more dangerous is the many complications it can create such as sinus and ear infections, and worse, life-threatening pneumonia.
There are also other serious complications like inflammation of the heart, muscle, brain, and multi-organ failure.
People with asthma and chronic heart disease may also find their condition worsening during and even after contracting the disease.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, flu treatment ranges from oral medication to full bed rest and drinking lots of fluids, to strong antiviral medication. Hospitalization may also be required as advised by a doctor.
Expert opinion
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Both cold and flu are highly infectious or transmissible that is why it is important to observe proper care and hygiene to avoid catching the virus or minimize its spread to others.
As always, it is important to consult with a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.
Keep in mind that medications prescribed for flu and cold can vary so it's best to get an expert opinion to ensure you're getting the right treatment.
It's also worth noting that the emergence of COVID-19 makes it extremely vital to check with a doctor as the disease carries similar symptoms common in flu and cold.
Natural remedy
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Prescribed medicine can help eliminate the body of flu and cold viruses.
At the same time, there are natural home remedies that can help boost the body's immunity to flush out the disease.
Consuming a bowl of low-sodium hot soup with vegetables can help warm the body.
Drinking warm water with a few slices of ginger can help soothe sore throat and cough.
Putting honey in warm tea with lemon can help reduce coughing according to experts. Honey contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Eating fruits packed with vitamin C can help a lot in boosting the immune system against respiratory illnesses.
Eating yogurt, with its probiotic properties, is said to help reduce the chances of developing an upper respiratory infection.
Using a cool-mist humidifier can help minimize nasal inflammation and lessen exposure to flu-carrying viruses.