With the winter months upon the southern hemisphere, infections of the common cold and flu has risen. It is useful to understand the difference between the two types of infection, so you know how to recognise, seek treatment and protect yourself.
Different Viruses
The common cold and influenza (flu) are both respiratory viral infections although they are caused by different types of viruses. The cold can occur at any time of the year. It can arise from different viruses, one of the most common ones being Rhinovirus. The flu is caused by the influenza virus and is generally seasonal. This means it usually peaks during the winter months.
Both are highly contagious, but the flu is more severe than the cold. It is unlikely for a cold to lead to serious health conditions, unlike the flu which can have serious complications.
Know the symptoms
Symptoms for the cold and flu are different. People with colds are likely to have a runny and stuffy nose. The cold symptoms are milder and come on gradually, usually starting with a sore throat. Headaches and chills are rare.
With the flu, symptoms onset are more abrupt and can be felt in the nose, throat and sometimes in the lungs. Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, headache, chesty cough and fatigue.
Protect yourself
It is important to get plenty of fluids and rest when you have the cold or the flu. Keep warm and have a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables. Prevention, as the saying goes, is always better than cure. Practise good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and properly, clean surfaces to get rid of germs, avoid touching your face if you have come in contact with common public areas and if you need to sneeze or cough, do it into your elbow or tissue.
Health authorities recommend having the flu vaccination, especially for those who are elderly or those with chronic illnesses.
Additional resource:
Healthdirect Australia – Colds and Flu
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Cold vs Flu