Colds and Flu All You Need To Know
Colds and Flu - All You Need To Know
COLD AND FLU
ARE DIFFERENT VIRAL
INFECTIONS THAT SHARE SOME OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS
WHAT CAUSES
COLDS AND FLU?
The common cold is caused by a group of viruses that infect the nose, throat, and upper airways. It’s so common that most adults will get between 2 to 4 colds a year. Symptoms associated with the common cold can include sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, headache, and cough.
Influenza (commonly called the flu) is an infection caused by influenza viruses—a distinct group of viruses to those involved with the common cold. Influenza can affect the nose, throat and upper airways, but also the lower airways. Common symptoms of the flu include fever as well as sore throat, tiredness and muscle aches.
Cold and flu viruses can be spread from person to person through the air whenever an infected person coughs or sneezes or through touching surfaces where infected droplets have landed and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
COLDS AND FLU?
Cold and flu share many of the same symptoms, but there are some differences too.
Here’s a general overview of the symptoms of cold and flu. Note, symptoms and their severity may vary with age and health status, so you should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
|
Symptom |
Flu |
Cold |
|
Runny nose or nasal congestion |
Rare |
Common |
|
Sneezing |
Rare |
Common |
|
Sore throat |
Common |
Common |
|
Fever |
Common |
Rare |
|
Cough |
Common |
Common |
|
Aches and pains |
Common |
Rare |
|
Fatigue |
Common |
Common |
|
Nausea and vomiting |
Common in children |
Rare |
|
Rare in adults |
Mild |
COLDS AND FLU:
SECRETS TO STAYING WELL DURING COLD AND FLU SEASON
1. Practice good hygiene when you come into contact with someone who is unwell. Make sure you wash your hands often with warm water and soap for 20 seconds and try to keep your hands away from your nose, mouth, and eyes. Avoid sharing towels or household items(like cups) with people who are infected. Keep the home disinfected; wipe down door handles and kitchen areas, as they are particularly highly used areas of the home.
2. Practice physical distancing to reduce the risk of passing on the virus to other people.
3. Get your flu vaccine every year. A vaccine is available to help protect against influenza. It’s important to get it every year as the circulating flu virus can change from year to year. However, unlike the flu, there is no vaccine available for a cold.
COLDS
Symptoms of the common cold may include: runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, headache, and cough.
Colds are generally self-limiting—your symptoms should resolve on their own in about 7 to 10 days. Some symptoms, such as cough can linger for a little longer, up to 3 weeks.
FLU
Some symptoms of the flu can occur quite suddenly, and typically come on faster than those of a cold. Symptoms of the flu include body aches, fever and chills, headache, tiredness, sore throat, cough, runny nose or sneezing, and vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children).
HOW TO
TAKE CARE OF COLDS AND FLU?
You should follow current health advice and seek medical advice if you are experiencing fever, sore throat, coughing, or shortness of breath.
To help relieve the symptoms of your cold or flu, you can try:
Getting plenty of rest
Keeping warm
Drinking adequate fluids to avoid dehydration
There are also plenty of Lemsip products that can help relieve cold and flu symptoms. You can pick them up from your local pharmacy or supermarket. They have actives of different strengths and different formulations. If you are unsure which formulation is right for you, talk to your pharmacist.
This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.
This medicine may not be right for you. Read the label before purchase. Follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.