Do you have a cold? Or a fever? (Flu or Cold) Let's find out the difference!

Have you ever woken up in the morning with a runny nose, a cough, a sore throat, and a fever? You may have wondered, "Do I have a cold or is this the flu?" Because the symptoms are so similar, many people confuse the two. But it's important to know the difference between the two.

Simply put, a cold is a respiratory illness that is slightly less serious than a flu. While a cold can be uncomfortable for a few days, a fever can make you feel very ill for days to weeks. Also, a fever can sometimes lead to serious health problems like pneumonia, requiring hospitalization. So let's understand the difference between the two.

What are the common symptoms of a cold?

The symptoms of a cold usually start with a sore throat. But this sore throat subsides in about a day or two. Then the nasal symptoms, which include a runny nose and stuffy nose, begin. After four to five days, a cough also comes along.

Adults are less likely to get a fever when they catch a cold, but they can still have a mild fever. However, young children are more likely to get a fever along with a cold.

When you have a cold, you will have a runny nose for the first few days. After a few days, this mucus may thicken and turn dark. Don't be afraid that dark mucus means it's a bacterial infection. For example, a sinus infection (`(Sinus Infection)`) doesn't always happen. It's a natural thing.

How long does a cold last?

The symptoms of a cold usually last about a week. During the first three days that you have symptoms, you can spread the disease to others. So it's best to stay home and get plenty of rest.

Sometimes you may think you have a cold when it's actually an allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or a sinus infection (sinusitis). If your symptoms start suddenly and get better within a week, it's probably a cold. If your symptoms don't get better after a week, it's important to see your doctor to find out if it's an allergy or a sinus problem.

So what are the symptoms of a fever?

Flu symptoms are usually more severe than a cold and come on very quickly. Symptoms of the flu include a sore throat, high fever, headache, body and muscle aches, stuffy nose, and cough. Some types of flu can also be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Most flu symptoms will subside within two to five days, but it is common to feel unwell for a week or more. Pneumonia is a serious complication of the flu. This is especially true for young children, the elderly, and people with lung or heart disease. If you have difficulty breathing, be sure to tell your doctor. Another sign of pneumonia is a fever that goes away after a day or two, then comes back.

Cold? Flu? Let's see the difference in a table

The best way to know exactly what you have is to take your temperature. The table below will help you understand the difference between the two.

How can you protect yourself from these diseases?

Cold and flu viruses enter our bodies through the mucous membranes in our nose, eyes, or mouth. Every time you touch these areas, you can unknowingly infect them with the virus. So the best and most important thing to do to protect yourself from both is to wash your hands frequently.

• Handwashing: Apply soap and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. This will remove germs. If soap and water are not available, you can use a hand sanitizer.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids: One of the best ways to fight a cold or flu is to drink plenty of fluids. Drink warm soups, porridge, herbal teas (like coriander, ginger tea), and just plain water. This helps flush out toxins from the body and keeps the throat and nose moist.
• Immune-boosting foods: Adding things like garlic and ginger to your diet can help support your immune system. It's also important to eat a nutritious diet.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have symptoms of a cold or flu and also have any of the following serious symptoms , it is very important to see a doctor immediately.

• Fever lasting more than three days: This could be a sign of another bacterial infection.
• Severe pain when swallowing: If the pain is more severe than a normal sore throat, it could be a throat infection (Strep Throat).
• Persistent cough: If your cough doesn't go away after two to three weeks, it could be a sign of a condition like bronchitis or asthma.
• Persistent nasal congestion and headache: If you have a thick, runny nose with pain around your eyes and face for a week, it could be a sinus infection (Sinusitis).

When to seek emergency medical attention (go to the ETU!)

For adults:

• Severe chest pain
• Severe headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Confusion (mental disorder)
• Persistent vomiting

For young children:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Bluish discoloration of the skin
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Unusual drowsiness and inactivity
• Extreme restlessness
• Symptoms getting better, then suddenly getting worse
• A skin rash with fever

In such a situation, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital without delay.

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