Common cold and influenza are both illnesses of the respiratory tract but are caused due to the attack of different viruses. The symptoms of the two illnesses are similar, which is the reason why it is difficult to differentiate a common cold from flu. However, with a slightly deep observation, the two illnesses can be differentiated from one another.
By and large, flu causes more trouble than common cold, making it a more serious illness, which sometimes can even result in death. The virus which causes the flu is a virus which belongs to a single family of influenza viruses. People, who have flu, generally develop a fever between the ranges of about 102 to 106 degrees, unexpectedly. The face of the patient is flushed and there is a terrible body ache accompanied by absolute energy loss and extreme body pain. Some people may also display symptoms of nausea and dizziness. The fever generally lasts from about two days to five days following which the other symptoms also begin to subside. However, the virus may settle in any part of the respiratory tract affecting that part severely and may cause sore throat, bronchitis, ear infections and in some cases even pneumonia.
On the other hand, the common cold can be caused by more than two-hundred types of viruses, and the attack of the virus is more concentrated in the nose. The most common symptoms of common cols are a running nose, incessant sneezing and stuffiness of the nose which results in difficulty in breathing. Persons affected by the common cold virus may develop fever a minimal fever in the ranges of 100 to 102 degrees. In some cases the virus may also produce headaches and cough with burning sensations in the eyes. In most cases there is a decrease in the appetite. Common cold usually subsides within seven days and may have certain lingering problems like coughing in some cases.
The major difference between flu and common cols is that flu is preventable where as common cold is not. Vaccines are present in the market for the prevention of influenza and the Centers for Disease Control recommend that children between the age group of six months and five years must be given the flu vaccination.
In both the cases, antibiotics do not render much help in the treatment of the illness as the viruses which attack the body have an ability to fight antibiotics. The most ideal treatment for influenza and common cold is to take enough rest and stay indoors and the room must be ventilated well. In order to prevent de-hydration, the patients must drink plenty of water and must increase the intake of fluids and juices. Alcoholic-fluids must be avoided. Since the affected persons are low on energy, the intake of energy rich foods and fruits must be increased. These include fruits rich in vitamin C such as oranges, and foods rich in carbohydrates such as potatoes and pastas. In case the fever is on the higher side, paracetamol may be taken to reduce it. The paracetamol also helps in reducing the body pain. Doctors usually recommend warm salt-water gargles two to three times a day to relieve the sore throat.
Thus, it must be noted that although flu and common cold display similar symptoms, the two are caused by different viruses. However, flu can be prevented by a vaccine, while a common cold cannot be prevented. Flu may cause complications such as pneumonia and other bacterial infections whereas common colds are less dangerous. The treatment for both the illnesses is not benefited by antibiotics, as both the illnesses are time-bound, and recover naturally within a week’s time.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ‘Cold versus Flu’. Web.
Greene A., 1998. ‘Cold and flu difference’. Web.