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Cold vs. flu: Understanding differences between two common ailments
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| Different medicines are used to treat a cold and the flu, though some of the symptoms are common to both illnesses. |
By CLEVELAND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Colds and the flu most often occur around the same time of year and both have unpleasant symptoms, so it can be hard to differentiate between the two. However, it is important to distinguish the cause of your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.
The most common symptoms of a cold are within the respiratory system and include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, cough or chest discomfort. Treatment for these symptoms is available through over-the-counter medication designed to target various symptoms of a cold.:
• Antihistamines can help control symptoms such as a running nose, sneezing and watery eyes.
• Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation.
• Expectorants loosen mucus from the respiratory tract, alleviating chest congestion and discomfort.
The best way to treat a cold is to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, use over the counter drugs and monitor for symptoms that last longer than five to seven days. If symptoms persist, they may have developed into an advanced respiratory illness in the form of an ear infection, sinus infection or bronchitis. In the event that a cold advances into a more serious condition, seek treatment from your doctor.
While a cold generally attacks the respiratory system, the flu can impact the entire body and influence multiple systems. Symptoms of the flu often include a fever between 100 F and 104 F, headache, body aches, fatigue, exhaustion and nausea. If it is mild, the flu can be treated with rest, fluids and over the counter medication targeting the symptoms. If the flu is more severe, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication. Over the counter and prescription treatments can help treat the symptoms:
• Anti-nausea medications help with stomach discomfort and vomiting.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation.
• Prescription antiviral medicines shorten the duration of the flu, but usually help only if taken within the first day or two of developing symptoms.
As with a cold, if symptoms persist longer than three to five days, or become increasingly severe, see a physician about the possibility of the flu developing into a more severe illness. The flu can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in patients who are older or have compromised immune systems, and may require more intense medical treatment or even hospitalization.
The best way to avoid contracting the flu is to get an annual flu shot. The virus changes every year, so see your doctor each flu season to get immunized to help minimize or avoid these symptoms altogether.
Unfortunately, there is no immunization against the cold, but washing your hands frequently, not touching your face with your hands, and avoiding contact with people who have a cold can be a strong defense.
Both the cold and flu can make you feel miserable and cause you to miss school or work. With some extra hand-washing and a flu shot, you can improve your chances of avoiding both this season.
The most common symptoms of a cold are within the respiratory system and include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, cough or chest discomfort. Treatment for these symptoms is available through over-the-counter medication designed to target various symptoms of a cold.:
• Antihistamines can help control symptoms such as a running nose, sneezing and watery eyes.
• Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation.
• Expectorants loosen mucus from the respiratory tract, alleviating chest congestion and discomfort.
The best way to treat a cold is to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, use over the counter drugs and monitor for symptoms that last longer than five to seven days. If symptoms persist, they may have developed into an advanced respiratory illness in the form of an ear infection, sinus infection or bronchitis. In the event that a cold advances into a more serious condition, seek treatment from your doctor.
While a cold generally attacks the respiratory system, the flu can impact the entire body and influence multiple systems. Symptoms of the flu often include a fever between 100 F and 104 F, headache, body aches, fatigue, exhaustion and nausea. If it is mild, the flu can be treated with rest, fluids and over the counter medication targeting the symptoms. If the flu is more severe, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication. Over the counter and prescription treatments can help treat the symptoms:
• Anti-nausea medications help with stomach discomfort and vomiting.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation.
• Prescription antiviral medicines shorten the duration of the flu, but usually help only if taken within the first day or two of developing symptoms.
As with a cold, if symptoms persist longer than three to five days, or become increasingly severe, see a physician about the possibility of the flu developing into a more severe illness. The flu can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in patients who are older or have compromised immune systems, and may require more intense medical treatment or even hospitalization.
The best way to avoid contracting the flu is to get an annual flu shot. The virus changes every year, so see your doctor each flu season to get immunized to help minimize or avoid these symptoms altogether.
Unfortunately, there is no immunization against the cold, but washing your hands frequently, not touching your face with your hands, and avoiding contact with people who have a cold can be a strong defense.
Both the cold and flu can make you feel miserable and cause you to miss school or work. With some extra hand-washing and a flu shot, you can improve your chances of avoiding both this season.
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