Understanding the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu: A Comprehensive Guide

2023-10-16 06:46:58
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?Understand one table at a time

biggest difference

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The biggest difference between a common cold and influenza is that the symptoms of a cold usually don’t come on quickly, but the symptoms of the flu do. In particular, the symptoms of influenza are mainly systemic, including respiratory symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and runny nose. The symptoms of a cold are mainly respiratory symptoms, with less muscle aches and may not necessarily cause fever.

★Judgment method

The main differences between common colds and influenza can be distinguished from the causative agent, scope of influence, speed of onset and main symptoms. Please refer to the figure below:

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common problem

Q1. What are the differences between colds, flu, and COVID-19?

All three are respiratory infectious diseases, but colds are caused by cold viruses, influenza is caused by influenza viruses, and COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Influenza has a similar course to COVID-19 and develops quickly, including fever, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, etc. Therefore, testing is required to confirm which virus you are infected with.

Q2. What are the danger signs of influenza?

These include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cyanosis (hypoxia, purple or blue lips), bloody sputum, chest pain, changes in consciousness, hypotension, etc. If there are danger signs, you should go to a major hospital as soon as possible to grasp the golden time for treatment. In addition, since infants and young children cannot express symptoms of physical discomfort, it is recommended to observe whether the baby has shortness of breath or difficulty, changes in consciousness, difficulty in awakening, and low mobility, etc., as a basis for judgment.

Q3. Can immunity be built up by eating?

A good diet is an important part of maintaining health. You can follow the “My Plate” recommended diet by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, including:

1. A glass of milk every morning and evening

2. Fruit is as big as a fist for each meal

3. There are more vegetables than fruits

4. One teaspoon of nut seeds

5. Bean, fish, egg and meat in one palm

6. Eat as much rice as vegetables

Reminder

In addition, I would like to remind parents that although the most effective way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated, the vaccine can only reduce the symptoms but cannot completely prevent them. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain air circulation and hygiene in the environment, especially in autumn and winter, when the temperature gradually decreases and the doors and windows of every household are often closed. If it is closed, germs will spread easily indoors. The air must be kept clear to reduce the chance of infection.

Also, when a family member is infected with influenza or a common cold, the virus may already be present in the home, so 70% alcohol or qualified items can be used to disinfect to reduce the virus transmission rate.

Written by Wuhan League Physician

sourceDr. Abao’s diagnosis and treatment and parenting story

Image source\PHOTO-AC, Dr. Abao’s blog

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