Flu vs Common Cold: How to Tell the Difference

Common colds and influenza, commonly known as the flu, are common health conditions that most individuals experience, particularly during the winter. While both often seem the same, they are two very different conditions with varying causes and treatments.

The common cold is usually milder than the flu, with the latter having the capability to cause significant health problems if left untreated. Understanding the differences between the two is key to timely medical intervention. This blog examines the difference between the common cold and the flu.

Cold vs Flu

Although flu and the common cold are both respiratory infections, they are brought on by distinct viruses. The flu comes from influenza viruses, while several viruses, such as rhinoviruses, parainfluenza and seasonal coronaviruses (which are not the same as COVID-19) cause common colds.

What Are Common Cold vs Flu Symptoms? 

Many of the symptoms of cold and flu are similar, making differentiating between the two difficult. Cold symptoms can develop gradually, while flu symptoms tend to develop and become severe quickly.

Cold Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of a common cold:

● Runny or stuffy nose
● Coughing
● Sore throat
● Sneezing
● Mild temperature
● Mild body aches or headaches

Flu Symptoms 

Here are some symptoms that can be common with the flu, but are rare with the common cold:

● Fever (100°F or 37.8°C or higher, lasting 3 to 4 days)
● Muscle aches
● Chills
● Fatigue or weakness
● Headache
● Vomiting or diarrhoea

What Is the Difference Between Cold and Flu? 

Although the flu and a common cold share many symptoms, they are caused by separate viruses and have unique traits.

1. Cold: A common cold can be caused by more than 200 viruses, and is also referred to as viral rhinitis. Rhinoviruses are the most common and can cause up to 40% of colds, especially during the onset of fall and spring season. Adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, and seasonal coronaviruses (distinct from COVID-19) are additional viruses that can induce common colds. Individuals can contract a common cold when someone around them has a common cold and coughs or sneezes on them, releasing respiratory droplets that contain the virus.
2. Flu: Flu cases usually peak during the winter months. The condition is brought on by the influenza A and B viruses. It can be transmitted easily and is highly contagious through air or by direct touch. Getting vaccinated against the flu every year is one way to lower the possibility of becoming sick and transmitting the virus.

What Treatments Are Available for the Common Cold? 

The common cold has no particular treatment and normally goes away on its own in seven to ten days. To help in symptom relief, an individual can:

1. Prioritize rest and sleep
2. Consume lots of liquids to keep the body hydrated
3. Use warm salt water for gargling to relieve a sore throat
4. Breath in steam from a humidifier, vaporiser, or hot shower helps clear nasal congestion

What Are the Treatments for the Flu?

Doctors can prescribe antiviral drugs to treat the flu because these can shorten the illness’s duration and lower the chance of serious complications. These are typically prescribed if an individual has flu-like symptoms for less than 48 hours. Even after the 48-hour window, doctors may still prescribe antivirals if a patient has an underlying medical condition or is more likely to become very sick.

How to Prevent Common Colds and Flu?

Getting vaccinated against the flu is the best defense against the virus. The vaccine strengthens the immune system’s ability to identify and neutralise the flu virus before it can cause other illnesses. It’s crucial to get vaccinated against the flu every year since the virus can alter slightly every year. The vaccination can decrease the severity of the sickness even if an individual contracts a different strain of the virus.

For both the flu and the common cold, practising good hygiene is key. Some steps to take include:

1. Individuals must wash their hands regularly
2. Individual should avoid touching the mouth, nose, or eyes without washing their hands and cover them when sneezing or coughing

Individuals must consult a medical professional and book an allergy test with Dr Lal PathLabs in case they notice the symptoms mentioned above.

FAQs 

1. What are the main distinctions between common cold and the flu?

Influenza viruses cause the flu, which has more severe symptoms, while the common cold is caused by various viruses and generally has milder, gradually developing symptoms.

2. How can I prevent catching the flu and common cold?

Getting vaccinated against the flu each year is the best way to prevent infection. Individuals must maintain proper hygiene by washing their hands often, applying hand sanitiser, and covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze.