Understanding Cold and Flu: Key Facts You Should Know
This article explains the key differences between cold and flu, including symptoms, causes, and prevention tips. It emphasizes early recognition and hygiene practices to avoid spreading illness and highlights the importance of vaccination and proper care for effective recovery.
Cold and flu symptoms often overlap, leading to confusion and improper treatment. While they share many common signs, there are distinctive differences. Recognizing these can help manage the illness effectively. The common cold typically develops gradually, starting with a runny nose and watery eyes, progressing to congestion and sneezing over 3 to 10 days. Fever is rarely associated with a cold.
In contrast, the flu appears suddenly, often with high fever, chills, and body aches, and can last up to three weeks. Both illnesses can cause sore throat, cough, headache, but flu symptoms are usually more intense. Cold is caused by rhinoviruses or allergies, while flu results from the influenza virus, highly contagious and spread through air, water, or contact.
Preventive measures include using humidifiers, practicing good hygiene, washing hands frequently, keeping environments clean, avoiding crowded places during outbreaks, and getting vaccinated against the flu. If infected, cover your mouth when coughing, wash hands regularly, dispose of tissues properly, and stay hydrated with fruits and vegetables. Avoid cold drinks even after symptoms subside. Consult a doctor for proper treatment, as untreated cold can lead to complications like pneumonia.
