Understanding The Common Cold and Flu; Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Ah, the joys of the changing seasons! Whether it’s the chilly winter air or the rainy spring days, your body is susceptible to cold and flu year-round. You may be in the midst of a summer heatwave or basking in the fall, viruses can attack you anytime and anywhere. So, it’s important to know how to manage and treat these common illnesses whenever they strike. From sneezing fits to coughing spells, the symptoms of the common cold and flu can leave you feeling miserable and drained. 

So, how can you best prepare for and cope with these pesky viruses? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of the common cold and flu, no matter what the season is. 

Difference Between Cold And Flu

The common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by viral infections, but there are some key differences between the two. The symptoms of the common cold are generally milder and more localized to the upper respiratory tract. Meanwhile, the flu can cause more severe symptoms and affect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Some of the main differences between the common cold and flu include the onset and duration of symptoms, as well as the severity of those symptoms. According to The Journal of Clinical Virology, common cold symptoms typically develop over several days, while flu symptoms can develop more rapidly and may last for several weeks. 

Additionally, the flu can be more dangerous than the common cold, especially for certain high-risk groups such as young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu has caused between 12,000 and 61,000 deaths annually in the United States alone since 2010.

Causes Of Cold And Flu

The common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. The common cold is typically caused by the rhinovirus, while the flu is caused by influenza viruses. These viruses can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and can also be spread through contact with infected surfaces.

According to research, over 200 strains of the rhinovirus cause the common cold, making it challenging to develop a vaccine. As for the flu, research has shown that there are several different types of influenza viruses, including influenza A, B, and C. Influenza A is known to cause more severe outbreaks and pandemics. In contrast, influenza B and C typically cause milder symptoms. Due to the many strains of viruses, it’s possible to get a cold or flu multiple times throughout your life, as your immune system may not recognize a new strain of the virus. 

When a virus enters the body, it can invade the cells lining the nose, throat, and lungs. This triggers the immune system to respond, causing inflammation and an increase in mucus production. As a result, you may experience symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, sore throat, headaches, and body aches.

cold and flu

Cold And Flu Symptoms

The symptoms of the common cold and flu can vary in severity and duration, but there are some key differences between the two illnesses. According to research, the common cold is usually characterized by symptoms localized to the upper respiratory tract, such as a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and congestion. These symptoms typically develop gradually over a few days and may last for up to two weeks.

Conversely, the flu can cause more severe symptoms that affect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Flu can cause fever, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes even vomiting and diarrhoea. These symptoms can develop rapidly over a few hours and may last several weeks.

It’s important to note that not everyone with the flu will experience all of these symptoms, and some people may only experience mild symptoms. However, certain high-risk groups, such as young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions, may be more susceptible to developing severe flu symptoms.

cold and flu

Risk Factor For Cold And Flu

There are certain risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing a cold or the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of these risk factors include

  1. Age: Young children and older adults are more susceptible to developing colds and the flu due to weaker immune systems.
  2. Weak immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic illnesses or who are undergoing chemotherapy, are at higher risk of developing severe illnesses from colds and the flu.
  3. Exposure to viruses: Being in close contact with someone who has a cold or the flu can increase your risk of becoming infected.
  4. Smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system and can increase the risk of developing respiratory infections.
  5. Lack of sleep: A lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing infections.
  6. Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to infections.

Even though certain factors can increase your risk of getting a cold and flu, certain precautionary measures can help you keep yourself safe. 

Preventing Cold And Flu

Although cold and flu are not serious conditions and usually dont last for long, it is always better to take precautionary measures and avoid getting cold and flu. 

  1. Get vaccinated: The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of six months.
  2. Wash your hands: Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent the spread of germs.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose: When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
  4. Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are feeling sick to prevent spreading the virus to others.
  5. Clean and disinfect: Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops, to help prevent the spread of germs.
  6. Practice healthy habits: Practice healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing stress to help keep your immune system strong.
cold and flu

Treatment For Cold And Flu

There is no cure for the common cold or flu, but several treatments can help relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.

Here are some proven ways to improve and treat cold and flu. 

  1. Rest: Getting plenty of rest can help your body fight off the infection and reduce the severity of symptoms.
  2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, and soup, can help prevent dehydration and loosen mucus.
  3. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve fever, headaches, and body aches.
  4. Decongestants: Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
  5. Antiviral medication: Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, may be prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat the flu in certain cases.

It’s important to note that antibiotics are not effective in treating colds or the flu, as these illnesses are caused by viruses rather than bacteria. 

One of the most important treatment and prevention options for cold and flu is FluAce. FluAce is an enriching blend of plant roots and herbs that gives you fast and effective relief from flu and flu-like symptoms. This carefully curated herbal formula will help you get rid of nasal congestion, dry cough, chills, sweats, sore throat, fatigue, and weakness.

FAQs

  1. How long does a cold or flu last?

Most people recover from the common cold within 7-10 days, while the flu can last 1-2 weeks or longer.

  1. How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?

Symptoms of a cold include a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, and mild fever. Symptoms of the flu are more severe and may include high fever, body aches, and fatigue.

  1. How can I prevent getting a cold or the flu?

To prevent colds and flu, it’s important to wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and get a flu vaccine every year.

  1. Can antibiotics treat colds or the flu?

No, antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections like colds or the flu. They only work against bacterial infections.

  1. When should I see a doctor for a cold or the flu?

You should see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days. Additionally, if you are at high risk for complications from the flu, such as young children, older adults, or those with certain health conditions, it’s important to seek medical attention.

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