Table of Contents
Causes of flu and colds
General characteristics of flu vs. flucold
Flu symptoms
Cold symptoms
How to differentiate between cold and flu
Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
Do you know what the difference is
cold
and
flu
?So similar, people often confuse the two
disease
this is the same.In fact, it shouldn’t be.
Flu (influenza) and colds are two common types of upper respiratory infections.Both are contagious, attack the nose, throat and respiratory tract, and often cause similar symptoms so it is difficult to differentiate based on physical signs alone.
However, flu and colds are actually caused by different viruses and have distinctive symptom patterns.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Causes of flu and colds
Before knowing the difference between colds and flu, it is important to understand what they mean.
Launching from the site
Center for Disease and Prevention Control
(CDC) and Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein, flu is only caused by influenza viruses.This virus tends to cause more severe symptoms and can cause complications in some people.
Colds can be caused by various types of viruses, such as
Rhinovirus
,
Parainfluenza
, and seasonal
Coronavirus
(not SARS-CoV-2 which causes Covid-19).Because the causes are more diverse, the severity of colds is usually milder and rarely causes serious problems.
General characteristics of flu vs. flucold
In general, flu appears with more severe and sudden symptoms.Meanwhile, colds have milder symptoms and come on gradually.Colds also more often cause a runny or blocked nose.
Unlike flu, colds rarely cause serious complications.Meanwhile, flu has the potential to cause further infections in some people.
Because the symptoms of the two can overlap, special tests are sometimes needed to ensure someone really has the flu.
Flu symptoms
Flu generally comes suddenly and makes the body feel quite sick.Symptoms that may appear include:
– fever or chills,
– cough,
– muscle pain,
– headache,
– feeling very tired,
– runny nose or blocked nose,
– sore throat.
Symptoms are usually most severe in the first few days, but complete recovery can take up to several weeks.In adults, flu rarely causes vomiting or diarrhea.
Flu tends to appear in the rainy season or transition season.
Cold symptoms
Colds start slowly within 1-2 days, with a severity that is much milder than the flu.Symptoms include:
– runny nose, stuffy nose, or sneezing,
– red or watery eyes,
– sore throat,
– mild to moderate cough,
– headache,
– mild body aches.
Colds usually last 1-2 weeks.As it worsens, mucus may become thicker.
Colds can occur at any time of the year.However, colds may appear more often at the end of the rain.
How to differentiate between cold and flu
Despite many similarities, the following differences can help identify which is more likely to occur:
– Flu has a sudden onset of symptoms, while a cold usually occurs gradually.
– Flu is more severe, while colds are usually milder.
– Flu is usually accompanied by fever, while colds are rarely accompanied by fever.
– Flu often causes intense body aches, while colds are rare.
– Flu is rarely accompanied by a runny nose, while colds are often characterized by a runny nose.
– Flu has a high risk of complications, while colds do not.
Even though the symptoms are similar, understanding the difference between a cold and the flu can help recognize the condition you are experiencing and determine the appropriate treatment steps.
(sac/asr)
[Gambas:goldensamoyed Video]
Read More: Cold Feet when Fever, Can You Wear Socks?
Read More: Title not found
