Although Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both respiratory infections caused by distinct viruses, they are also contagious. The common cold is caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses, whereas the flu is caused solely by influenza viruses. SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, should not be confused with seasonal coronaviruses.
Because the symptoms of the flu and the common cold are so similar, it can be difficult to identify the difference based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is more severe than the ordinary cold, with symptoms that are more severe and start more rapidly. Colds are frequently less severe than the flu. Cold sufferers are more prone than flu sufferers to have runny or stuffy noses. Colds rarely lead to major health problems including pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalization. The flu can have allied complications.
Symptoms of cold and flu: Same yet Distinctive
Cold and the flu are caused by viruses as discussed above. Both are infections of the lungs. Looking at your symptoms is the simplest approach to detect the difference.
If you have a cold, you will most likely experience the following symptoms:
- Stuffy or runny nose,
- Slight weariness,
- Sore throat,
- Sneezing with cough,
- Headache or body aches.
- Flu symptoms include:
- Dry, hacking cough, sore throat,
Moderate to high temperature, however not everyone with the flu will develop a fever,
- Shiver and chills,
- Headache,
- Severe muscle or body aches,
- Severe exhaustion that could linger for up to two weeks,
Diarrhea, as well as nausea and vomiting (most common in children).
Common colds develop over a few days and are usually less severe than the flu. Although symptoms can continue for up to two weeks, they normally improve in 7 to 10 days. Symptoms of the flu appear suddenly and might be severe. They normally last between one and two weeks.
To figure out which ailment you have, use your symptoms as a reference. If you suspect you have the flu, make an appointment with your doctor to be tested within the first 48 hours after exhibiting symptoms.
Flu Vaccines:
Influenza (flu) vaccines (often known as “flu shots”) protect against the influenza viruses that are expected to be the most frequent throughout the forthcoming season, according to research. The majority of flu vaccines are administered through a needle in the arm, although a nasal spray flu vaccine is also available.
Antibodies to influenza (flu) vaccinations develop in the body two weeks after immunization. These antibodies protect against infection from the viruses employed in vaccine production. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against influenza viruses that are predicted to be the most common over the coming season, according to a study.
With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should obtain an influenza (flu) vaccine every season. Since the 2010-2011 flu season, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended this.
During the influenza season of 2021-2022, the CDC recommends using any licensed, age-appropriate influenza vaccination. Quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine [IIV4], recombinant influenza vaccine [RIV4], and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) are all available influenza vaccines. There is no preference for one influenza vaccine over another.
What are the side effects that could arise?
Common side effects from a flu shot include soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given, headache (low grade), fever, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue. The flu shot, like other injections, can occasionally cause temporary syncope. It is advisable to keep the patient in a monitoring room for at least 30 minutes before leaving the medical center.
Following a viral influenza illness, a bacterial infection may occur. The following are symptoms of bacterial infection:
- Shortness of breath.
- A fever that doesn’t go away.
- A cough that lingers more than 7 to 10 days after other symptoms have cleared, especially if it is bringing up mucus (productive).
- Yellow, green, rust-colored, or bloody mucus that is coughed up from the lungs, especially while other symptoms are getting worse.
- Sinus, throat, or ear pain that is new or doesn’t go away.
Bacterial Infections associated with them:
The above-mentioned symptoms are suggestive of Bacterial infection aligning after influenza as well. Antibiotics may be required in some cases to treat these infections. Consulting your physician is the sine qua non during this time.
The common cold continues to be a significant economic and social burden on society. Rhinovirus is the most frequent virus. The influenza virus, adenovirus, enterovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus are among the other viruses.
Bacteria may be the source of 15% of all sudden onset pharyngitis cases. S. pyogenes, a Group A streptococcus, is the most prevalent. Risk factors for an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URI) can be related to medical disorder: People with asthma and allergic rhinitis are more likely to develop URI.
How to Treat?
The purpose of the treatment is to alleviate symptoms. Decongestants and antihistamine/decongestant combinations can help people with cough, congestion, and other symptoms. A sore throat caused by a virus usually lasts five to seven days and does not necessitate medical attention. Many people use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other minor pain medicines to reduce discomfort and fever.
To relieve symptoms in kids, give them acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol, Fever-All, and others) or ibuprofen (Children’s Advil, Children’s Motrin, and others) over-the-counter pain drugs developed for infants and children. Nasal decongestants (topical Oxymetazoline, oral pseudoephedrine) offer moderate advantages in lowering nasal airway resistance in adults and adolescents.
Vitamin C is found to have a “modest but consistent effect” on the duration and intensity of common cold symptoms when taken as a daily prophylactic at dosages of = 0.2 grams. Early antiviral treatment for influenza infection shortens the duration of influenza symptoms, decreases the length of hospital stays, and reduces the risk of complications.
Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing influenza illness.
Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is also helpful in preventing influenza (70% to 90% effective) and should be considered as an adjunct to vaccination in certain scenarios or when vaccination is unavailable or not possible.
*WARNING:
Because first-generation antihistamines are sedating, a compulsion for the patient to use them with caution is a must.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/cold-or-flu.
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/different-flu-vaccines.htm
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351640
