Is this a cold? Or is it the flu? (Flu or Cold) - Let's find out the difference!

Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling dizzy, nauseous, sore, and feverish, and unable to move a finger? When this happens, it's hard to tell whether you have a simple cold or a mild case of the flu. It's important to know the difference between the two. Although they may seem similar, there is actually a big difference between the two.

Simply put, a cold is a common respiratory illness that is often not as serious as the flu. A cold can make you feel uncomfortable for a few days, but a flu can make you feel really bad for days to weeks. Not only that, but if the flu gets worse, it can lead to serious health problems like pneumonia and even hospitalization. So, let's get to know the details about these 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 begin. That is, things like a runny nose (phlegm) and a stuffy nose. After about four or five days, a cough also begins.

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

When you have a cold, you will have a lot of watery mucus coming out of your nose for the first few days. After a few days, this mucus will thicken and change color. Don't be alarmed if your mucus becomes thick and yellow-green. This is normal. It doesn't always mean you have a bacterial infection, such as a sinus infection.

Sometimes what you think is a cold could actually be allergies (allergic rhinitis or hay fever) or a sinus infection (sinusitis). If your symptoms start suddenly and get better within a week, it's probably a cold. But if you don't feel better after a week, see your doctor to see if you have allergies or sinusitis.

What are the common symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms are usually more severe than a cold and come on quickly . The main symptoms of a flu are a sore throat, high fever, headache, body and muscle aches, stuffy nose, and cough. Some types of flu, especially swine flu, can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Most flu symptoms will gradually improve within two to five days. However, it is common to feel tired and lethargic for a week or more. One of the most dangerous complications of a flu is pneumonia . This is especially true for young children, the elderly, and people with lung or heart disease. If you have trouble breathing , tell your doctor right away. Another sign of pneumonia is a fever that goes away after a day or two, then comes back.

Like cold viruses, flu viruses enter the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, or mouth. So every time you touch these areas, you can get a virus. So washing your hands regularly with soap and water is the best way to stay safe from colds and flu.

So how do you accurately distinguish and identify these two?

The best way to tell if you have a cold or the flu is to take your temperature. A cold rarely causes a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius). However, when you do get a fever, it can be very high right from the start and make you feel very ill. The table below will help you understand the difference between the two.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you have cold or flu symptoms, or any of the severe symptoms listed below, it is very important to seek medical advice immediately .

• Persistent fever: If you have a fever for more than three days, it could be a sign of another bacterial infection that needs treatment.
• Severe pain when swallowing: If you have pain that is more severe than a normal sore throat and makes it difficult to swallow, 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 bronchitis or sinusitis. Asthma can also cause a persistent cough.
• Persistent nasal congestion and headache: If you have a thick discharge of mucus around your eyes and face along with pain after a week, it could be a bacterial infection.

Emergency Signs

In some cases, you may need to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

For adults:

• Severe chest pain
• Severe headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Persistent vomiting

For children (in addition to the above):

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Bluish discoloration of the skin
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Unusual drowsiness and inactivity
• Very restless or crying excessively
• Symptoms getting better, then suddenly getting worse again
• Skin rash with fever

If you see any of these symptoms, don't delay . Take your child to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible.

How can you avoid these diseases?

The most important and simplest way to prevent colds and flu is to wash your hands frequently. Scrubbing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds removes germs.

Additionally, you can get a flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu. Usually, getting this vaccine before the flu season starts will help your body develop antibodies against the flu within two weeks, providing protection. You can ask your doctor for more information about this.