Difference Between Cold and Flu

Both, cold (common cold) and flu (influenza) are diseases caused by viral infection. Both these diseases affect the upper respiratory system and are quite common in human beings. Cold and flu can also occur at any time of the year, but are more common in cold seasons. There is only a slight difference in the general symptoms of common cold and flu. Therefore, many people (sometimes even inexperienced health practitioners) confuse common cold for flu or vice versa. In order to avoid this, it is essential to know the basic and also the notable differences between cold and flu symptoms.

Symptoms of Cold and Flu

The basic difference between cold and flu is based on the symptoms associated with either of the disease. The following are the symptoms of common cold:

• Runny nose
• Nasal discharge
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Sneezing

The signs and symptoms of influenza (flu) include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body ache
• Headache and fatigue
• Gastrointestinal problems (in children)

It is difficult to distinguish between cold and flu at an early stage. Common cold is not fatal at all, on the other hand, flu can be life-threatening if the symptoms become more severe.

Symptoms	Cold	Flu
Body ache	Body ache is rarely seen	Severe body ache occurs
Cough	Mucus producing cough is observed	Dry cough (non-mucus producing) is observed
Chest discomfort	Chest discomfort is mild and rare	Severe chest discomfort is observed
Stuffy nose	Stuffy nose is a very common symptom of cold	Stuffy nose is rarely or never observed
Fever	Cold may / may not be accompanied by fever	High fever is observed
Weakness and fatigue	Mild	Severe and long-lasting
Complications	Sinus congestion or earache	Pneumonia or Bronchitis

Treatment of Cold and Flu

Antibiotics and anti-viral medications are ineffective in treating common cold as using antibiotics can give rise to several side effects. The human immune system is efficient in fighting most of the virus and hence, one can get relieve from common cold within a couple of days. Drinking plenty of water and taking sufficient rest can help in feeling better quickly. On the other hand, vitamin C supplements, steam inhalation, chicken soup can help you relieve from cold. It is also advisable for children to not to mix with other chances to prevent the spread of germs.

Flu can also be treated in the similar way. But, antibiotics are used in some cases to avoid and treat secondary infections like bacterial pneumonia. One should remember that flu (influenza) can be fatal for people with a weak immune system like babies and children. Both these diseases can be effectively cured within a short period of time even by over-the-counter prescriptions. But, if the symptoms of flu do not subside after a couple of days, it is better to consult the doctor immediately.

Prevention of Cold and Flu

Cold can be avoided easily by maintaining good hygiene. Observing cleanliness and washing hands regularly is very essential to prevent cold. You can make us of anti-bacterial soaps or hand sanitizers for this purpose. There is no vaccination against common cold. On the contrary, influenza or flu vaccine can effectively help in prevention of flu. It is often recommended to children and older people to go for the annual vaccination as they are at a high risk of contracting flu.

When you can correctly tell the difference between cold and flu, it is easier to get it treated quickly! Gesundheit!