The Common Cold vs. the Flu

The Common Cold vs. the Flu  from Millennium Medical Care in Fairfax, VACommon 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.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Common Cold and Flu Treatment in Fairfax, VA

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

How Often You May Get The Common Cold

If you never get the common cold, you are in rare company. A cold is a sickness that just about everyone will deal with each year. Its seriousness can range widely from minor to severe and everything in between. You may be able to carry on with regular activities, or you may be so sick…

Allergies Vs The Common Cold

The common cold or allergies: many people wonder which they have when certain symptoms come up. Both can affect people of all ages and can be miserable to deal with. Viruses cause colds, while allergies are the immune system’s response to a substance. There are ways to manage colds and allergies. Still, it is helpful…

Zinc And The Common Cold

The common cold can make anybody miserable. You can prevent this by taking zinc. This element can slow down the cold’s development. If you want to know how zinc can help you face the common cold, here are the details.Studies showed that zinc supplements can help prevent sickness in people. Researchers also showed that zinc…

Recent Posts

How Often You May Get The Common Cold

How Often You May Get The Common Cold

If you never get the common cold, you are in rare company. A cold is a sickness that just about everyone will deal with each year. Its seriousness can range widely from minor to severe and everything in between. You may be able to carry on with regular activities, or you may be so sick…

Kidney Testing: What It Is And What To Expect

Kidney Testing: What It Is And What To Expect

Preventive kidney testing can detect kidney issues when they first appear. They allow you and your medical provider to monitor pre-existing conditions and support your long-term health. Because kidney function influences multiple systems in the body, kidney testing provides essential insights into how well the kidneys filter waste, balance fluids, and regulate materials. Kidney testing refers…