Learn the differences so you can prevent and treat them

High temperature, sore throat, runny nose, tiredness… Is it flu or is it a cold? Although these illnesses have similar symptoms, there are differences that you should know about if you are going to treat them as effectively as possible. Here are the facts!

What is flu and what is a cold?

Flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, which generally breaks out in the cold months, between October and March.

Then there’s the common cold, which is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Also caused by a virus, normally rhinovirus or coronavirus, you can catch a cold at any time of year.

Whilst the flu virus spreads through droplets of saliva that travel through the air after coughing or sneezing, colds are spread through direct contact (although also through nasal and oral secretions).

Flu symptoms come on suddenly, the incubation period lasts four or five days. The incubation period for a cold is slightly shorter (a couple of days) and the symptoms come on gradually.

What is flu and what is a cold?

Although both illnesses make sufferers feel unwell, there are certain clues that will tell you which you have caught:

The most common symptoms of cold and flu are:

• High temperature (above 38 degrees, it’s flu)
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Shivering
• Generally feeling ill
• Tiredness, sleepiness, loss of appetite
• Blocked nose
• Cough and congestion

Flu tends to disappear within 3-5 days (other symptoms can last a week or longer), while a cold develops gradually and can last from 5 to 10 days.

What is the best treatment?

Treatments for colds and flu are based on relieving the symptoms. Because they are viral infections, antibiotics are not effective. You may be prescribed antipyretics for lowering the fever, analgesics for pain and perhaps a cough medicine, if the cough is annoying and persistent. Nasal drops can be effective for treating congestion or inhale steam with eucalyptus to clear the airways and help you to breathe more easily.

If you have flu, bed rest, hydration and light meals are recommended. If you have a cold it depends on how you feel but, generally speaking, you won’t need bed rest.

Flu is normally benign, but it is important to take extra care with very young children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions. Likewise, in the case of a cold, people with asthma or bronchitis should keep an eye on the symptoms and see a doctor if they don’t feel better within a few days.

Prevention, the best treatment

If you want to avoid catching or spreading flu and colds, there are some aspects you should keep in mind. Here are some measures you can take which, although they are not infallible, will help you to deal with these viruses.

– Wash your hands after sneezing, coughing and blowing your nose.

– Don’t share cutlery or glasses during meals and disinfect the telephone with alcohol.

– Keep the workplace well ventilated and avoid cigarette smoke, which weakens the respiratory system.

– Eat fruit and vegetables, an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

– Drink plenty of fluids to keep the mucous membranes hydrated.

You’ll have flu and colds several times during your life. It’s normal. Look after yourself and you’ll soon shake them off!

This post is also available in: Spanish