Cold or flu: learning to tell them apart

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Extract from the article: How can you be sure whether your symptoms of cough, fever, headache and runny nose are linked to a bad cold or flu? The two illnesses are very similar, and are therefore easily confused. Here are some important things you need to know to tell the dif

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How can you be sure whether your symptoms of cough, fever, headache and runny nose are linked to a bad cold or flu? The two illnesses are very similar, and are therefore easily confused. Here are some important things you need to know to tell the difference.

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses: "influenzae" in the case of flu, and more often "rhinovirus" in the case of colds. They can take one to two weeks to disappear from the body. Both spread easily through the population, causing nasal congestion, coughing, headaches, sore throat and fever, to varying degrees of intensity.

The differences between flu and colds

Can you go about your day despite the symptoms?Are you completely disorientated?Most people with a cold manage to work and look after their children.With flu, it's less obvious.In fact, flu makes you feel very tired and achy.The fever is higher than with a cold, and may be accompanied by chills and sweating, as well as vomiting or diarrhoea. In the case of flu, the whole body seems more shaken.

Another clue to take into account is the speed at which symptoms appear: flu sets in suddenly, whereas colds take longer. Flu is more common in cooler weather, especially in certain seasons, while colds can occur at any time of year.

Treatment

Whether you've got the flu or a cold, it's important to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water.There is no real cure.Treatment focuses on the symptoms: paracetamol can help relieve the aches and pains and fever associated with flu, while decongestants can relieve nasal congestion. Washing your hands often with soap and water, sneezing into the crease of your elbow, wearing a mask and avoiding close contact all help to limit transmission of the virus to those around you.

Since both diseases are caused by a virus, there is no need for antibiotics.It is important to take care of yourself because both diseases can lead to complications, such as bacterial superinfection.There may also be bronchitis or a worsening of the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. It is only after examining the patient and possibly carrying out some additional tests that the carer can determine whether there is a bacterial superinfection.Pregnant women, young children, the immunocompromised and the elderly are vulnerable and can quickly develop complications. There is a vaccine against influenza that must be administered every year.

William O.

Article validated by Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner (Lomé-Togo)