Common cold and the flu often have similarities. The flu has more severe symptoms. Awareness of their differences can help you get earlier treatments from the local urgent care clinic. If you want to know the differences between the flu and common cold, here are the details.
The causes
There are at least 200 strains of viruses. Some coronaviruses and rhinoviruses cause the common cold. COVID-19 is one of the coronaviruses in this category. Influenza A, B, or C cause the flu. The most common types of influenza viruses are A and B.
The symptoms
Upon the onset of each, it is almost difficult to tell if a person has the flu or a common cold. A cold often has a slow development. A runny or stuffy nose is a common symptom in this mild viral infection. The flu symptoms start right away. They tend to be more intense as well. Below are the flu symptoms not evident in a common cold:
- Headache
- Fever for three to four days
- Weakness or fatigue
- Lower back pains
- Chills
People with colds do not experience diarrhea or vomiting. A person with flu may. An infected individual could go to an urgent care facility to have a good diagnosis. This should happen upon the onset of the symptoms. The urgent care provider could then give early treatment for the symptoms.
Common cold and the flu may have the same symptoms. Some people may have flu without fever. Others may have a cold with fever and coughing. The attending doctor can help determine which of these viral infections were caught by the individual.
The complications
Often, colds do not lead to more complicated issues. But colds can trigger an asthma attack in individuals with asthma. The flu can result in severe complications. It can lead to bacterial infections or even pneumonia. These complications often cause annual hospitalizations and fatalities.
Mode of transmission
Common cold and the flu have the same modes of transmission. These illnesses are both contagious. A person in close contact with an infected person can get the infection. Touching a contaminated surface or inhaling infective droplets can cause infection as well.
The treatments
The common cold and the flu both result from viral infections. Antibiotics cannot work against these illnesses. Most infected persons will get better within a couple of weeks. Relieving their symptoms is possible through home remedies or specific medications. Fever reducers, decongestants, and expectorants are a few of the common medications for these conditions.
Preventive measures
Practicing good personal hygiene measures can help prevent the common cold and the flu. Proper handwashing can prevent an infection. Proper rest and a healthy diet can enhance one’s immunity. A flu vaccine each year can prevent colds and the flu. Staying away from infected people and wearing face masks can protect other people from the infective aerosols.
Common cold and the flu have similarities and differences
These two illnesses come from viruses. A person suffering from either cannot get relief from antibiotics. A proper diagnosis from an urgent care clinic can determine if you have a common cold or the flu. Then, you can get the right treatment.
Request an appointment or call Millennium Medical Care at 703-372-4429 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.
Recent Posts
The common cold is appropriately named. This illness is perhaps the most common health problem that people experience. It will affect individuals of all ages, including babies and the oldest patients. You have almost certainly had your share of colds in the past. The good news is that there are ways to minimize your risks…
Preventing the common cold is a good way to maintain your health. It saves you a trip or two to the nearest urgent care facility. Keeping yourself free from illness can also prevent you from missing work or classes. If you want to learn how to ward off the common cold, here are some lifestyle…
You have almost certainly had the common cold at some point. More than likely, you get at least one cold every year. This common illness can hang around for several days and make life miserable during this time. There are similar sicknesses that can also affect you, namely a chest cold. You should learn the…