What is the Common cold and Flu?
The common cold is a viral infection which primarily happened by rhinoviruses, though, other more viruses such as, parainfluenza, seasonal corona viruses except SARS-CoV-2(COVID-19), can be contributed to produce the common cold. It mainly affects the upper respiratory tract including nose, throat, lungs etc, and lasts for 7-10 days with mild to moderate severity.
On the other hand, Only influenza viruses are the causing factor to develop the Flu, which shows different symptoms quickly, and even can lead to make more serious complications on some patients like infections, pneumonia, hospitalizations (Sepsis - life threatening medical emergency) and so on. That's why if the patient condition gets worse more after 5 days, instantly talk with the healthcare practitioner to reduce further complications in associated with the Flu viruses.
What are the Symptoms of the Common cold & Flu?
Initially, this is very difficult to differentiate between flu and cold because of having some similar symptoms for both the Common cold and Flu, but the flu is considered as more dangerous than common cold due to the deteriorating effects on the body.
Different symptoms of colds and Flu (Influenza)
|
Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu
(Influenza) |
|
Onset |
Gradual (Within 3
Days) |
Unexpected and sudden |
|
Severity |
Mild to moderate |
Moderate to severe |
|
Fever |
Rare or sometimes |
High Fever or above
102 F (May persist for 3-5 days) |
|
Chills |
No |
Common (Severe) |
|
Runny Nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Sneezing |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Stuffy nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Sore throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Body aches |
Mild |
Common (Severe) |
|
Headache |
Sometimes |
Common |
|
Weakness or Fatigue |
Sometimes |
Common |
|
Watery Eyes |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Chest congestion and discomfort |
Mild to moderate |
Severe |
|
Cough |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Nausea |
No |
Common |
|
Anorexia (Loss of Appetite) |
Sometimes |
Common |
- Use analgesics to reduce pain and fever - based on the patient other conditions, sometimes plain paracetamol or Ibuprofen or other pain relievers are used to relief from pain and fever. But paracetamol dose should not be more than 4000mg per day (total 500mg of 8 tablets) as it has severe effect on liver.
- Use the combination product that is made up of analgesics, antihistamines, decongestants and other agents together. But, always be careful about patients health conditions or other complications to ensure the product safety for the patient.
- Use antihistamines - such as chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine, desloratadine are the best choices depending on the patients job position to prevent the nasal secretion of watery liquid.
- Use Decongestants, for examples, pseudoephedrine, sodium chloride solution or vapor rub to relief from blocked and stuffy nose while having some side effects.
- Use Sprays, lozenges (Chloraseptic, Strepsils) or medicines to relief sore throat that is very common symptom of cold.
- Use specific sprays (xylometazoline hydrochloride) or drops that are dedicated for preventing Hey fever and sinus problems.
- Use expectorants or antitussive syrups or tablets for removing sputum or suppressing the cough if necessary.
- Use antibiotics as a prophylaxis for some secondary infections.
- Use antiviral medicines, for instances, zanamivir, oseltamivir, peramivir, amantadine, baloxavir marboxil, rimantadine if patients have any chronic complications.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Eat nutritious foods to avoid malnutrition during ailment time.
- Take sufficient rest to restore energy during the illness period.
- Gargling with the lukewarm Salt Water is the most popular and common to diminish the throat irritation and pain.
- Use vapor rub to reduce sinus problem as it works as decongestant by easing the congestion as well as help to take normal breathing by opening airways. In case of children, it's better to use cold mist humidifier and nasal aspirator to clear the nasal route.
- Take warm bath to lower the body aches.
- Sit on an open hygienic place for some moments under the sun light where it is directly reached.