How to make the difference between cold and flu symptoms? In today's blog, we will discover the distinction between cold and flu.
Cold
After exposing to cold-causing virus and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) it can be caused by more than 200 distinct viruses and the signs usually develop slowly making you feel bad and lousy for a few days [7 to 10 days ] and that appears as :
Fatigue, sore/scratchy throat, cough that often produces phlegm or mucus, runny nose
followed by sneezing [the mucus may change color over the course of illness starting out clear and becoming thicker, yellow, or green]. Fever is not typical with a cold but a low grade isn’t out of the question.
Flu
The flu will surprise you with how quickly symptoms begin and generally comes on fast and furious, it will make you feel quite ill for a few days to weeks which can result in serious health complications such: pneumonia, sinus, ear infection.
The first signs of a flu are a high fever [above 101 degrees], headache, sore throat, dry cough, muscle aches, pain, and fatigue. The time span for a Flu is typically 2 weeks.
How to avoid them?
Both flu and cold are caused by different viruses and flu’s symptoms are more intense than cold so good hygiene is important by making sure that you:
Wash your hands with warm water and soap
Use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
Not sharing towels or household items
Stay home if you are sick
Get enough sleep and eat well
"Its really basic public health practices," says Catherine Troisi, Ph.D. an associate professor in the divisions of management policy and community health and epidemiology at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston.
As both Flu and Cold are caused by viruses, these cannot be treated by antibiotics. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, so it’s best to just observe your symptoms. And if your symptoms get worse contact your healthcare
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