Common Cold Vs Flu: Everything You Must Know to Mark the Difference!

Isn’t it bothersome to get up feeling feverish with coughing and sneezing? Mild muscle pain and feeling dull are other symptoms you can’t ignore. The quest here is to differentiate between the common cold and the Flu. Here’s how to identify!

Most people tend to misunderstand the symptoms of Flu and cold as they both replicate to an extent. Influenza, known as Flu, can worsen your health for a few days to weeks, while the common cold is a mild respiratory illness. Flu might also lead to severe health hazards such as hospitalization or pneumonia.

As soon as the symptoms begin to show up, it is important to determine whether you’re facing a common cold or something serious. If it’s Flu, you might need a few days of extra rest and have to cancel the scheduled commitments. We‘ve listed below all the differences and symptoms of colds and coughs to help you take better care of yourself!

Quick Catch on Common Cold Vs Flu

Influenza (Flu) and Colds are both viral respiratory ailments. They are caused by distinct types of viruses, which are difficult to figure out unless blood investigations are done. The common cold has a single type, while there are many variations of the influenza virus.

While colds and Flu are respiratory illnesses, they differ based on the type of viruses you are infected with. Flu is caused by influenza viruses, while colds occur due to parainfluenza or rhinoviruses. One such serious variant was Coronavirus, which we are all well-versed in. Seasonal viruses are responsible for the common cold.

Common Cold Vs Flu- What are the Symptoms?

Due to their common symptoms, it is tricky to differentiate between the Flu and a common cold. Cold signs develop gradually, while Flu can catch you and become a serious condition soon.

Signs of Common Cold

Common cold symptoms include:

• Constant coughing along with a stuffy nose or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore Throat
• Mild Body Temperature
• Light Body ache or the headaches

Signs of Flu

Below are the symptoms associated with the Flu that do not usually appear in the common cold. It’s essential to pay attention to them:

• Fever around 100°F or higher that lasts more than 3-4 days.
• Severe Muscle ache
• Chills along with fever
• Weakness or feeling of fatigue
• Diarrhoea or Vomiting
• Constant Headache

What is the Difference Between a Common Cold and a Flu?

Although the common cold and the Flu have numerous common symptoms, they differ in traits from several other viruses. Let’s understand how:

Common Cold

• The Primary cause of Common cold might include over 200 viruses, also called viral rhinitis. Over 40% of the cold cases are evident due to rhinoviruses occurring at the onset of the spring or fall season.
• Next is Adenoviruses, a type of respiratory syncytial virus resulting in seasonal cold. There are many other viruses responsible for this kind of cold.
• It is common to catch a cold if someone around is sneezing or having cold issues. It results in the release of virus-infected respiratory droplets containing viruses that spread and contaminate others.

Flu

• Surges in flu cases are evident usually during the winter.
• Influenza is caused by the Flu A and B viruses.
• Flu virus transmission is easy but is determined to be highly contagious. This virus can spread through direct contact or even by air.
• If you’re sensitive to the influenza virus, getting its vaccine yearly is the right way to lessen the chances of getting sick. It also reduces the probability of virus transmission.

Treatment Options for Common Cold

The common cold generally goes away within 7-10 days and does not require any specific treatment. It is possible to get relief from its symptoms with the following home remedies:

• Proper rest and ample sleep are beneficial for overcoming cold issues. They allow your body the time to heal itself.
• Stay hydrated by consuming lots of liquids such as water, juices, or other healthy beverages.
• Gargle with warm salt water, as this helps relieve a painful or sore throat.
• Taking steam breath with a vaporizer or humidifier is also a good idea. It helps clear nasal congestion.
• Wash your hands regularly after coming from outside to avoid spreading viruses in the house.

Treatment Options for Flu

Flu or the Influenza virus might take a heavy toll on your health due to the complexity of symptoms. The uneasiness or discomfort during Flu is more concerning, and here are the possible treatment options:

• Your healthcare professional can prescribe antiviral drugs for flu treatment as it can reduce the duration of illnesses.
• They might also suggest medications to reduce the level of complications among people suffering from the Flu.
• If you constantly face flu-type symptoms for more than 48 hours, your doctor will prescribe antivirals.

• Experts might also suggest a few investigations to determine whether there are any other underlying medical problems.

Tips for Prevention of Common Cold vs Flu

• Getting the flu jabs yearly is the best way to develop a defense against such viruses.
• These vaccinations can boost your immunity system and ability to neutralize the flu virus before its complexity increases.
• Regular vaccination helps alter the severity of flu viruses and develops an immunity shield for the body against other viruses as well.
• Good hygiene maintenance is the key to seeking protection from cold and flu viruses.
• Regularly washing your hands and refraining from touching the eyes, nose, or mouth without hand washing is necessary.
• Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing to avoid infecting the surrounding people.
• Using hand sanitizers while travelling or keeping it handy at the work desk can prevent getting infected by viruses to a great extent.

Summing Up- ‘Timely Treatment is the Key to Better Health!’

Now that you are well-versed in the difference between the symptoms, causes, and treatments of the common cold and flu virus, it will be easier to tackle them this season. Influenza or Flu viruses are known for their severe symptoms, while colds cause milder symptoms.

With the above-mentioned prevention tips and methods, it is possible to get complete protection against cough, cold, or other such seasonal illnesses. Regularly washing hands, applying hand sanitizer, and covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing is a common practice to stay immune from catching Flu or cold.

If you have any other queries related to seasonal sicknesses such as colds or Flu and their treatments, kindly drop your doubts in the comment section below. Stay tuned for more health and lifestyle-related updates.

We Hope you Shine Out with Good Health Every Season! Take Care.