Common Cold or Flu?

The common cold and influenza, additionally known as the flu, are both viral infections that affect your respiratory system – including but not limited to the throat, nose, airway, and lungs. Both of these viral infections are especially common during the wintertime, have similar symptoms to each other, and cause plenty of discomfort to the infected individual. One is typically worse than the other and requires attention thus telling the difference is very important to avoid possible severe health complications. Explained below is everything that you need to know about common cold and flu to help you understand their unique differences.

Common Cold

Commonly known as “the cold”, this condition is generally the milder of the two viral infections. Anyone can easily contract a cold with symptoms that usually last for no more than just a few days. Individuals can easily contract the cold more than once a year due to how easy the infection can be passed from one person to another.

Symptoms of the cold can include a fever up to 102°F, runny or stuffy nose, typically colored nasal discharge, sore throat, coughing and sneezing, fatigue, and watery eyes. These symptoms usually develop slowly the few day period and progressively dissipate.

Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu is contagious and generally worse than the common cold. The flu may only ever affect individuals a few times every 10 years, and its symptoms may last a few days to several weeks.

Flu symptoms typically include a fever over 102°F, congestion, nausea, chills and sweats, fatigue, coughing, headaches, poor appetite, muscle aches and body soreness – especially in the back, legs, and arms. These symptoms usually appear abruptly and are more severe than symptoms from the cold. These symptoms can progress into serious health problems such as pneumonia, and even death in severe conditions.

H1N1 flu is a particularly dangerous strain of the flu that can lead to serious health complications. It is commonly known as the swine flu because it was initially caused by a virus found in pigs that then gets passed to the farmers. The most common way to contract the swine flu is from another infected individual. H1N1 infects humans and has symptoms that are similar to other flu symptoms.

How can you avoid or prevent the common cold and flu?

The following are simple and proven things you can do to reduce your risks for common colds and flu:

1. Frequently wash your hands. Washing your hands frequently with an antibacterial soap and clean water can help prevent the spread of germs.
2. Eat health. Your foods should be rich in vitamins and other nutrients. Good nutrition can boost your body’s immunity and help keep you protected from the viruses that cause the flu and colds.
3. Exercise regularly. People who are physically active can combat colds and even flu unlike those who do not exercise.
4. Get adequate sleep. Properly resting helps your body repair and reenergize itself. To keep your body strong and protected against infections that cause colds and flu, make sure that you get sufficient sleep every night.
5. Maintain clean common surfaces. Clean your tables, counters, door handles, toys, bathrooms, and floors using disinfectants.
6. Inquire about a flu vaccine. Flu vaccine shots are available, especially through flu season (October – November). Vaccinated children aged 6 months or older and adults will thrive better during flu seasons. Make sure to consult your primary care physician prior to receiving the shot.

The common cold and flu are not pleasant and often take you away from things you would like to do. Make sure to take all possible preventions in order to remain healthy throughout the year. Please contact Dr. Dharia and his team at Palm Beach Internal Medicine to come up with a personalized game plan to stay healthy during this infectious time of the year!