Around 20% of Americans are struck with the flu virus every year and it’s not uncommon to catch a cold 2-3 times annually. Kids and senior adults can be even more susceptible to catching colds and flu more often. So, what is the difference between a cold and flu?
Many of us use the terms cold and flu interchangeably, but they both have their own set of symptoms, and knowing which is which will help you determine the best way to treat it.
The flu is caused by influenza ‘A’ or ‘B’ virus.
A cold can be caused by hundreds of different types of viruses.
Cases of the flu are considered more serious than a cold because even healthy people can develop more severe health conditions from the flu, such as pneumonia.
Influenza causes around 200,000 hospitalizations and around 24,000 deaths per year on average. This is just one reason it is important to know the differences.
How Do You Know The Difference Between Cold And Flu?
Here are some signs to help you distinguish whether you have a cold of the flu, so you can treat it appropriately and be aware of any potential implications.
First symptoms – With a cold, symptoms usually show up gradually, perhaps with a slight sore throat when you swallow, a tickly cough, watery eyes, or a stuffy nose. With the flu, symptoms usually appear abruptly. You may feel fine one minute, then the next you feel like you have been hit by a bus. However, some people do experience early flu symptoms such as fatigue and swollen glands.
Headache – If someone asks, how do you know the difference between cold and flu, headaches are another one of the giveaway signs. A headache is said to be a rare symptom of a cold, but it is extremely common with the flu and usually results in whole-body aches. A headache can also be one of the early flu symptoms.
Fever – Having a fever with a cold is considered rare. But with the flu, the body temperature can rise quickly and leave you with a high temperature for a few days. It’s crucial to stay well hydrated and rested if you are experiencing fever and sweating. Homeopathic products containing Aconitum napellus are often used for reducing temperature.
Aches – Only mild body aches are associated with a cold. You may feel like your body doesn’t have as much energy as usual, but in general, aches are not symptoms of a common cold. Influenza on the other hand often brings severe aches through the entire body, making even small movements uncomfortable or painful.
Chills – If you find yourself feeling boiling hot one minute and shivering cold the next minute, this is a common symptom of the flu. It is important to check with your doctor that these symptoms are not otherwise coming from a bacterial infection where antibiotics would be required. The chills are not usually associated with a cold, but you may want to stay as comfortable and warm as possible to ease the cold symptoms.
Fatigue – With a cold you may feel more tired than usual, but with the flu, it is common to feel more extreme fatigue and exhaustion. Many people experience fatigue as one of the first early flu symptoms, but don’t realize it is due to influenza until a day or two later. Rest is crucial for recovering and letting the cells fight off the viral infection.
Sneezing – Having a runny or congested nose and sneezing are typical symptoms of a common cold. This is one way to know the difference between a cold and flu, because sneezing is a frequent symptom of a cold, but not of influenza. Sneezing is also one of the main ways that germs are spread as the tiny contagious droplets are released into the air if they are not directed into a tissue.
Sore throat – A sore throat is often one of the first symptoms of a cold. With influenza, it’s not always a symptom and can appear in different ways such as with inflammation and swelling of the throat after a cough. Flu suffers may also find it hard to stay hydrated if the throat is dry for long periods of time like during the night, so this can lead to a sore throat.
Coughing – Although both colds and flu are both upper respiratory viruses, they can present themselves differently with coughs. Some types of colds can trigger a mild to moderate cough usually towards the end of the cold. With the flu, it is common to have chest discomfort, tightness when you take a deep breathe, and more severe cough with mucus.
How To Reduce Symptoms Of Colds Or Flu And Prevent It In Future?
There is no magic wand to get rid of the symptoms of cold or flu immediately, but there are things you can take to ease the symptoms quickly, support your immune system and help to prevent cold and flu.
A homeopathic product containing powerful compounds such as oleuropein in olive leaf extract, neem leaf extract, echinacea, and aconitum naellus work to quickly relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Rather than masking the symptoms, the combination of these ancient medicinal ingredients works to eliminate the viruses causing them and helps prevent colds and flu when taken regularly.
An all-natural homeopathic product for colds and flu, such as d-Lenolate® Plus Cold & Flu contains all the powerful compounds needed to provide fast, effective relief and increase immune system defense. It can be used year-round as a preventative measure or taken when you notice those early flu symptoms and signs of a cold.
It’s worth noting that antibiotics do not have any effect on colds or flu.
Now you are aware of the difference between a cold and flu, you can easily recognize the signs and symptoms in yourself and your family. This will help to ensure you are giving yourself the right care and treatment.
Author Bio:
Geoff Melcher is the President at East Park Research in Las Vegas, NV. East Park Research has conducted in-depth studies into the healing properties of the olive leaf, resulting in the development of a unique olive leaf extract formulation, d-Lenolate®.