Cold or Flu? - When should you see a doctor?

These days, we hear coughing and sneezing everywhere, right? In the office, on the bus, wherever we go to class, someone is sneezing or coughing. So when you feel a little unwell, a runny nose, or a slight itch in your throat, you get a little scared. "Oh, I don't know if I've caught something." But it's hard to know for sure whether this is just a cold or a more serious, bedridden flu, isn't it? Let's talk about this today, because it's very important to know the difference between the two.

What exactly is the difference between a cold and the flu?

Although many people think that these are the same, they are actually two different conditions. But the symptoms are somewhat similar, which confuses us. Simply put, a common cold is a minor thing. It goes away in a few days. But the flu is a more severe, debilitating illness.

Imagine, if you catch a cold, you might feel a little tired, but you can still do some of your daily activities. But if you get the flu, you might be too weak to get out of bed and have to stay in bed for several days.

This difference will become clearer to you if you look at the table below.

Why does this disease occur? Is there no cure?

Here's something very important. Both colds and flu are caused by viruses. That is, not bacteria. Many people go to the pharmacy and ask for antibiotics as soon as they get a cold. That is a very wrong and dangerous habit.

So what is the treatment for this? To be honest, these viral diseases are cured by your own immune system. All we need to do is help it. That means:

• Rest well.
• Drink plenty of warm liquids (water, soup, porridge).
• Eat nutritious food.

By doing this, your body will defeat the virus and heal you in a few days.

Okay, so when do you need to see a doctor?

A common cold usually doesn't require a visit to the doctor. It can be treated with rest at home. However, sometimes even a mild cold or the flu can turn into something more serious. It can lead to conditions like a sinus infection, bronchitis, or pneumonia.

Therefore, if you have any of the following alarming symptoms, definitely see your doctor without wasting any time.

• If you have a high fever that doesn't go down after a few days .
• If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain when breathing , or rapid breathing, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
• If you feel severe pain or pressure around your eyes or forehead (sinus pain) when you lower your head.
• If you have a sore throat that is so severe that you can't swallow , it could be a bacterial infection called ``Strep throat''.
• If you have severe ear pain .
• If you cough up thick yellow or green mucus and the cough gets worse.
• If you think you have severe flu symptoms, see a doctor within the first 48 hours . Your doctor may be able to prescribe antiviral drugs that can quickly reduce symptoms.

How to stay safe from these diseases?

Prevention is best.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap, especially before eating and after coming from outside.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unnecessarily.
• Talk to your doctor about getting the flu vaccine every year . This is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.