How Do You Know You Have the Flu, but Not Cold?

It often happens that when we catch a cold we say we have the flu. Because the symptoms of both conditions are similar, many of us confuse them, and as a result, we risk being mistreated, further affecting our health.

Colds and flu have about the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat). And yet they are caused by different viruses. The flu can usually be more severe than a cold. There are over 200 viruses that cause colds and three that cause the flu.

There are also several strains of the flu virus, and the content of the flu vaccine changes every year to protect against the most common strains. If a person is in good health, then he could control the manifestations of both conditions without consulting a doctor.

However, some people need extra care, especially if they are at risk for serious lung complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This category includes people over 65, but also children.

Cold and its symptoms:

People with colds may experience mild fever, ear and headaches, and fatigue. Symptoms appear one or two days after contact with the virus and gradually worsen.

Some types of colds can last one to two weeks. The disease is usually manifested by:

• rhinorrhea, starting with clear mucus that turns into dense, yellow, or green mucus
• runny nose
• sore throat
• sneezing
• cough

What is the flu?

It is an infectious disease, highly contagious, caused by influenza viruses, type A, B, and C. Types and subtypes in groups B and C are found exclusively in humans, type A can also occur in birds. There are also flu viruses, which have flu-like manifestations.

The flu is transmitted through the air through the saliva droplets of patients who cough.

Signs of the flu

• it starts suddenly with a high fever

• the patient is shivering

• headaches

• eyeball pain

• runny nose

• dry cough followed by cough with secretions

The patient also has:

• sleepiness

• sore throat

• muscle aches, especially in the legs and back

In young or sick children, in the elderly, in patients with diabetes or heart disease, the flu has much more severe forms, with cardiac or nervous complications. The disease can occur in massive epidemics, with millions of cases.

How to prevent the flu?

with the help of the flu vaccine, which is administered annually in the autumn months, especially to those exposed to complications or at high risk of illness (elderly) 65 years, diabetics, cardiac patients, patients with chronic lung disease, people in homes, orphanages, children over 6 months with weakened resistance, medical staff, dormitory staff, orphanages, etc.).

by administering natural products, a diet rich in vitamins (fruits, raw vegetables, raw greens)

by taking food supplements containing active substances with a strong stimulating and strengthening effect on the immune system.

Sneezing

What a sneeze means - The body expels bacteria and other particles by suddenly removing air from the chest. Do not try to refrain from sneezing as this way the body tries to get rid of the irritants. The use of antiviral drugs helps to prevent the spread of viruses. For the same purpose, it is advisable to wash your hands after each sneeze after which you put your hand to your mouth.

Chills and fever

What are chills - Chills are the way the body generates heat when it feels cold. Chills appear before the fever, a method by which the body defends itself against a virus.

When to worry - Contact your doctor if the temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, if the fever persists for more than 72 hours without giving in or if you have difficulty breathing or dizziness.

Methods of treatment at home - Fluids are recommended to prevent dehydration. Also, dabbing the body with a sponge with lukewarm water can improve the general discomfort.

Sore throat

What it is - There are retronasal secretions that cause irritation and inflammation of the throat.

When to worry - If you have difficulty swallowing or breathing heavily, contact your doctor to rule out a more serious illness such as a bacterial infection.

Methods of treatment at home - Gargle with warm salt water soothes the pain, and the sensation of irritation can be alleviated by consuming caffeine-free liquids, teas, and soups.

Sinus pressure

What it means - Mucus has accumulated in the nasal passages and can become blocked in the sinuses without draining properly.

When to worry - If a fever of more than 38.5 degrees Celsius occurs, a bacterial infection may be involved and will be treated with antibiotics.

Methods of treatment at home - Keep the sinuses moist with a humidifier or inhale steam from a container filled with hot water.

Cough

What it means - Cough is a reflex in the throat that is triggered when excessive mucus has irritated the nerve endings of the respiratory tract.

When to worry - If breathing is difficult and the cough is accompanied by blood or discolored mucus, bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia may be involved.

Methods of treatment at home - In most cases, cough medicines are ineffective, but soothing a sore throat with candy or warm liquids could improve the situation.

Body aches

What it means - Especially in the case of the flu, body aches are a sign that the body is releasing chemicals that help white blood cells fight the infection.

When to worry - Only if the pain causes a disability, which is rarely the case with the flu or cold.

Methods of treatment at home - Rest and hot baths may help relieve muscle pain. A few bottles of warm water placed around the sick person could have the same effect.

Cold and flu treatment

Both colds and flu are caused by viruses and most importantly, antibiotics do not act on viruses, only on microbes. So you should only be treated with antibiotics on the advice of your doctor.

Products that decongest the nasal mucosa and throat and antipyretics (which reduce fever) are recommended. Syrups and pills that soothe a dry cough or promote sputum are also recommended. It is very important to eat vitamin C (or foods rich in vitamin C), drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and rest so that your body can recover.