What's the difference between a flu and a cold?

 

The temperature is increasing, the throat is itchy, and the nose is runny. Is it the flu or a cold? The typical traits to distinguish between the two can be found here.

Is it influenza, the flu, or the common cold? Although the symptoms are similar, the various disorders can be identified on closer investigation. We explain the distinctions and explain when chicken soup and acetylsalicylic acid in the medical cabinet are no longer sufficient to relieve symptoms and when flu vaccination is recommended.

Is it the flu or a cold?

The terms flu and cold are frequently, but wrongly, used interchangeably since both diseases have very similar symptoms. Furthermore, the flu-like condition, which is another name for the common cold, adds to the uncertainty. However, several distinguishing characteristics can aid in determining whether you have the flu or a cold.

Colds are very common.

A cold can be brought on by up to 200 different viruses, including rhinoviruses.

• The beginning of the illness: The symptoms of a flu-like infection appear gradually, potentially over many days.
• Body temperature/fever: During a cold, the body temperature increases to a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius.
• Runny nose: The nose is red and swollen, and it runs or is obstructed. Frequent sneezing puts a strain on the mucous membranes. Inflammation of the sinuses can accompany the cold symptoms of a flu-like infection in some circumstances.
• Cough: Coughing is frequently a dry, unpleasant cough at the start and end of a cold. In the meanwhile, expect an expectorated cough. Here's where you can learn more about what can help: Coughing fits.
• Sore throat: The first sign of a cold is frequently scratchy irritation in the throat. You may learn about the cures for sore throats here: home remedies for sore throats.
• Headache and aching limbs: Most people with a cold experience mild headaches and aching limbs.
• General condition: People with a cold are weak, debilitated, and feel tired. The course of the illness: A common cold is usually over after seven, or at the latest after nine days.
• The course of the illness: A common cold is usually over after seven, or at the latest after nine days.

• Influenza is caused by influenza viruses, which are transmitted from person to person. Illness onset: The symptoms of influenza appear suddenly. You may feel good one minute, then a few hours later you are already feverish.
• Fever and body temperature: Fever during influenza should not be overlooked. It comes on suddenly and frequently reaches body temperatures of more than 39 degrees Celsius, with chills and sweats accompanying it.
• Rhinitis: The typical rhinitis we associate with a cold occurs less infrequently or in a milder form during the flu.
• Cough: The flu is accompanied by a dry, itchy cough. The sinuses and mucous membranes are inflamed.
• Sore throat: The normal flu patient will experience a sore throat as well as severe swallowing difficulties.

When should you go to the doctor if you have the flu or a cold?

With plenty of chicken soup, nasal spray, and a good supply of tissues, most people with colds can get through them on their own. That isn't to say you shouldn't take your cold seriously. If you don't take it easy enough, your immune system will be weakened, making you vulnerable to subsequent infections. Doctors refer to this as a "superinfection."

A trip to the doctor is strongly advised in the event of the true flu. By providing pain-relieving and fever-reducing medication, such as preparations containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) or the active components ibuprofen and paracetamol, the physician can provide relief from agonizing symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, and aching limbs. The most useful advice can be found here: Fever reduction.

Particular caution is advised for elderly and chronically ill flu patients. Influenza can result in serious secondary diseases such as pneumonia or inflammation of the heart muscle. For these people at high risk, annual flu vaccination is recommended in good time before the flu wave.

Keeping the flu and colds at bay

Here are some helpful flu or cold prevention measures to ensure you don't catch it in the first place: 1. Hands should be washed frequently.
2. During flu season, avoid shaking hands. 3. Cough and sneeze into your elbows at all times.

4. Maintain a moist environment for mucosal membranes.
5. Strengthen your immune system by obtaining lots of fresh air exercise, taking alternating showers, and going to the sauna regularly.