Cold and Flu, chest freezing are common colds caused by viruses. You can take OTC (Over the counter) medicines to treat the symptoms of congestion, sore throat, cough, and runny nose. The symptoms of cold and flu are quite similar. However, flu shows muscle soreness, fever, and headache as its symptoms. If you get up with sneezing, coughing, and pain in muscles, you may be suffering from cold or flu. So, how do you know whether you are suffering from a cold or a flu?
Cold and flu have a fine line difference between them. Cold is a lenient respiratory infection than flu. The symptoms of cold stay for a few days. On the other hand, the symptoms of flu trouble you and stay for weeks. Moreover, flu can result in severe health conditions like pneumonia.
The common symptoms of a cold
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Cough
Sore throat may stay for one or two days. Moreover, runny nose and congestion often accompany the cough. Fever is unusual in cold; however, minor fever is expected. In addition, children are more likely to have fever in cold than adults.
The common symptoms of flu
- Sore throat
- Cough and congestion
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
The symptoms of flu slowly go after around three to five days. However, you may not feel exempted. A usual hurdle of flu is pneumonia, especially in the elderly, young, and people suffering from heart and lung disorders.
What are the causes of cold and flu?
Although the symptoms of cold and flu slightly differ, the causes are almost similar. Numerous viruses cause cold and flu. However, rhinovirus is the most common one. The viruses of cold and flu enter your body through your eyes, mouth, or nose. It scatters by means of droplets in the surrounding air. Moreover, cold and flu are contagious. They spread from a sick person to a healthy one through physical contact or using the sick person’s belongings like a towel, telephones, utensils, or toys.
You should consult with your doctor if you are suffering from painful swallowing, persistent cough, congestion, fever, and frequent headaches.
What are the treatments for cold and flu?
The antiviral and antibiotic medicines are many a time unsuccessful in defeating the viruses that bring common cold and flu. Cold and flu usually stay up for around 10 days, while their symptoms can stay up for 3weeks.
However, there is no actual way of curing a common cold and flu. The following measures can help you to ease your symptoms-
Medical care
- You can take aspirin, Ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to get relief from fever and headache. Avoid giving these medications to children under the age of 16.
At-home treatments
- Stays hydrated and drink an abundance of fluids; being hydrated makes the symptoms of cold and flu to flush out of your body
- Take ample of bed rest, as your immune system is fighting with the virus
- Smoothen your sore throat through gargling with luke warm and saltwater. Taking tea with honey and ginger also works in the same concern
- Chicken soup can also help you get relief from congestion
In addition to these treatments, your doctor may also prescribe you other medications or suggest home remedies while observing your medical and health conditions.
Are there any preventions?
- Exercise to boost your immune system
- Eat healthily and sleep better
- Wash your hands frequently
- Get the vaccinations of flu
You can seek online doctor for cold and flu. Visit the Daily Chemist web page for any queries. Moreover, you can request medical guidance from experts.
