Flu and colds are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses while colds are milder than flu they both share the similar symptoms.
1) Colds and flu have similar symptoms
The common cold and flu present the same way but the symptoms of flu appear abruptly and are more serious than the symptoms of a cold.
2) Flu can lead to serious complications
A flu can cause mild to severe illness and can sometimes lead to death if not managed properly, especially in people who are termed higher risk for example people above the age of 65, people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, pregnant women and children under the age of 5.
3) Colds and flu are more common in winter time and in raining season in tropical climates.
Colds are more common in the winter and raining season (spring), during this time the weather is cooler damp and a favorable environment for most of the viruses that cause colds and flu. In winter people stay indoors more often with each other which increases the chances of infection if one person in the house is infected.
4) The cold and flu are both contagious.
They are both spread when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes and tiny droplets from the persons mouth is released into the environment, food or water around them, these tiny droplets contain the cold or flu virus and can be spread from person to person.
5) They can be transferred by someone who doesn’t look sick.
A cold or flu virus may be present for two are three days before the person gets sick, it is important to always cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing so as to avoid infecting family and friends with a cold or flu.
6) They can both be treated.
A cold might not need serious medical attention but flu should be treated by a health care provider because you may need antiviral drugs to help clear the symptoms.
7) Flus and common cold differ in duration of illness.
A cold may last from 3-7 days while the flu may take up to 1-2 weeks to clear up, you should stay at home during this period as adequate rest is paramount to the healing process.
8) They are caused by different kinds of viruses.
The common cold is caused by viruses that affect the nose, throat and upper respiratory tract, there are over 200 hundred viruses that cause the common cold. Flu or influenza is caused by more severe viruses.
9) It could be difficult to differentiate flu from the common cold.
It could be difficult to self diagnose a flu, that is why it is important to visit a hospital if you experience symptoms such as severe body ache, nausea and vomiting, severe headache, fever and extreme fatigue.
10) If not properly managed colds or flu infection can affect other parts of the body.
Colds and flu when not properly managed can lead to bacterial infection being spread to the ears, nose, it can cause can condition such as tonsillitis etc.
TREATMENT
1)Rest: Adequate rest is important in the recovery process of colds or flu, it helps your body to get back to it optimal level of functioning.
2) Hydration: Fluids are important because they help keep you troat moist and replace lost fluid from your body.
3) Nutrition: It is important to eat right, as it will help boost your immune system. Eat soft foods if you have a sore throat, soups and hot beverages are also recommended to help clear blocked airways.
4) Medication: Antiviral and antibiotic drugs maybe prescribed for you by your health care provider if symptoms are severe, pain killers can be included to help relieve symptoms like fever and body ache.
NB: DO NOT GIVE ASPIRINS TO CHILDREN.
PREVENTION
1) Hand washing: This is important to reduce the possibility of spreading infection, as colds could be transferred by shaking other people.
2) Avoid contact with sick people: As colds and flu can be transferred through contact, it is important to be careful around people with cold or flu, wash your hands for every time you come in contact with them. This doesn’t stop us from taking care of our loved ones who are down with a cold or flu.
3) Vaccination: There are vaccinations that help prevent flu and can be taken once a year. The flu vaccination is highly recommended for high risks groups such as children under 5 years of age and pregnant women.
HEALTHAFFORD 