Colds and flu are much alike in terms of their presentation of symptoms. However, there are a few differences that distinguish them. The symptoms of common colds are milder and develop slowly, which include sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and sore throat. Whereas the symptoms of flu include tiredness, fever, headache, major aches and pains, nausea, chills and sweats, and loss of appetite. Coughing can be a sign of either a cold or the flu. But a bad cough usually points to the flu.
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, hence antibiotics are not a medicine of choice to treat these conditions, unless there are secondary bacterial infections. Colds can be caused by nearly 200 types of viruses, like rhinovirus, coronaviruses, just to mention a few. But flu is caused by Influenza A or B viruses.
There are no known cures for colds and flu, however, you can alleviate the symptoms by drinking plenty of water, taking enough rest, avoid smoking and taking alcohol, and using a humidifier (an electric device that puts water into the air). To relieve a sore throat, you can gargle with warm salt water. You can also use a saline nose drop to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in your nose. In addition, there are a number of OTC medicines available to control the colds and flu symptoms. You can always ask for pharmacists' advice in making choices.
To prevent a cold or flu, make sure you wash your hands frequently, because most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep are also ways to prevent colds and flu. You can also consider influenza vaccine to prevent flu. The vaccines are available in two forms: flu shot (comprises of dead viruses) and nasal spray (comprises of live but weakened viruses). The vaccine will help activate your body immune system to fight off the viruses. Click here to know more about influenza vaccine.
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, hence antibiotics are not a medicine of choice to treat these conditions, unless there are secondary bacterial infections. Colds can be caused by nearly 200 types of viruses, like rhinovirus, coronaviruses, just to mention a few. But flu is caused by Influenza A or B viruses.
There are no known cures for colds and flu, however, you can alleviate the symptoms by drinking plenty of water, taking enough rest, avoid smoking and taking alcohol, and using a humidifier (an electric device that puts water into the air). To relieve a sore throat, you can gargle with warm salt water. You can also use a saline nose drop to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in your nose. In addition, there are a number of OTC medicines available to control the colds and flu symptoms. You can always ask for pharmacists' advice in making choices.
To prevent a cold or flu, make sure you wash your hands frequently, because most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep are also ways to prevent colds and flu. You can also consider influenza vaccine to prevent flu. The vaccines are available in two forms: flu shot (comprises of dead viruses) and nasal spray (comprises of live but weakened viruses). The vaccine will help activate your body immune system to fight off the viruses. Click here to know more about influenza vaccine.
