Difference Between Cold and Flu Symptoms

Cold and flu are the most common infectious diseases that are caused due to viral infections in the upper respiratory system. Usually, infection occurs in the organs - ears, nose, throat and sinuses. Both are highly contagious; infection can be transferred through direct contact and/or respiratory secretions. This is the reason as to why, many people suffer from cold and flu at any time of the year. In everyday usage, we use the term cold and flu synonymously. However, it is to be noted that there are certain differences between these two ailments. Let's a take a look at the difference between the symptoms of cold and flu.

Difference Between Cold and Flu Symptoms

Cold can be caused by a number of viruses. In fact, there are more than two hundred strains of virus identified that are capable of causing common cold. Whereas, flu is caused due to infection by the influenza virus, which can be of the type A, B and C. Nevertheless, the influenza virus type A is the one responsible for flu epidemics. In addition to these types, many more viral strains that cause flu are identified each year. Flu infection is also known as influenza.

A notable difference between cold and flu is the onset of symptoms. Cold symptoms develop gradually over time; whereas, symptoms of flu usually appear suddenly. Symptoms of cold are mild, in comparison to flu symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms of cold are nasal congestion, cough, mild fever, sneezing, sore throat, laryngitis and increased fatigue. Flu, on the other hand, causes symptoms like high fever (104º Fahrenheit or 39º Celsius), headache, chills, restlessness, cough, sore throat and loss of appetite. Many a times, these symptoms are accompanied with a blocked nose and muscle pain.

Cold symptoms may last for less than a week, usually for 3-4 days. There are also no possible medical complications of cold. In fact, a patient can recover from cold even without the administration of medications. In comparison to cold, flu symptoms last for about two weeks. Treatment of flu is essential, as it can further progress to pneumonia, especially among children and elderly persons. Those children who have a weakened immune system and/or having other medical problems such as lung disease or heart disease are more susceptible to flu infection.

Cold symptoms, as already mentioned, do not require any specific treatments. Hence for cold treatment, the physician may prescribe nasal decongestants and over the counter pain killers. Whereas, its not so easy in case of flu symptoms; the physician often prescribes medications for lowering the temperature and in severe cases, antiviral drugs. Nowadays, specific antiviral medications are available for the treatment of flu.

In case of children who are at a high risk to flu infections, it is recommended to opt for flu vaccination under the prescription of a qualified physician. According to a survey conducted, flu shots are effective to about 70 percent. It is necessary that vaccination should be conducted every year, so as to protect the children from the latest viral strains.

For both cold and flu infections, it is advisable to take maximum rest and consume lots of juices and other liquid food, in order to avoid dehydration. People can suffer from cold at any time of the year; whereas, flu occurs especially in the cold winter season. As they are highly contagious, personal hygiene and cleanliness are the ways to prevent cold and flu infections.