Common cold and flu (influenza) are respiratory tract infections caused by different viruses. Symptoms of cold and flu are mostly similar, but the common cold is a mild infection rather than the flu. These infections are contagious and spread through aerosols (sneezing, coughing).
Causative agents:
Causative agents for both the common cold and flu are viruses. Including,
Flu: The primary causative agent of flu is the influenza virus only.
Common colds: Several viruses can cause the common cold. includes,
- Rhinoviruses
- Parainfluenza virus
- Seasonal coronavirus
Symptoms of colds:
- Fever (not often, rare in adults and sometimes in children)
- Stuffy nose
- Frequent nasal discharge (yellowish or greenish colored)
- Mild headache and body aches
- Cough and sneezing
- Discomfort due to chest congestion
- Tearing
- Sore throat
Symptoms of flu:
- High fever (higher than 1000 F and lasts for 3-4days)
- Sometimes runny and stuffy nose
- Severe headache and body aches
- Fatigue (lasts for 2-3 weeks)
- Chills, sweating, and nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Severe chest congestion
Treatment:
- No antivirals are available to treat the common cold and flu, but certain medicines can be used to lower the discomfort of the symptoms. Includes,
- Analgesics to reduce fever and pain
- Antihistamines to dry out the nasal discharge
- Decongestants to get relief from chest congestion and stuffy nose
- Antitussives to lessen the intensity of cough
- Certain other medications include,
- Anti-flu medicines such as amantadine
- Flu vaccine (shot or nasal spray)
When to visit a doctor:
Immediately call a doctor if you experience the problems mentioned below,
- Symptoms last or get worse after ten days
- Trouble in breathing
- Severe chest congestion
- Blood with mucus
- Inflammation of glands in the neck or jaw, etc.
If you experience any of the conditions mentioned above, immediately visit the doctor. Healthcare professionals of ExpressTeleDoc are available 24/7 for your help. You can contact our doctors anytime according to your feasibility. Our healthcare professionals will start the treatment without any delay.
What happens if the cold and flu become severe?
If cold and flu remain untreated, it can lead to severe conditions. Including,
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infection, etc.