Common Cold vs. Flu

How often do people ignore signs of the flu? The answer is, very often. Stuffy nose, sinus, and sniffling are symptoms associated with the common cold. However, it may very well be the early signs of influenza. It comes as a shock to hear that in the USA, some “36,000 people die each year from flu related complications”. (RAND Corp. survey)

Differences between Flu and Cold

Influenza is a respiratory virus which is caused by a viral infection. The cold is also a viral infection caused by, the adenovirus or coronavirus. Flu is preventable with vaccination, whereas the common cold has to run its course. Flu season in the United States is generally between November and January. It commonly spreads from person to person. Seasonal influenza cannot be taken as lightly, since it can become an out of control epidemic. Healthcare experts have categorized seasonal influenza into 3 groups A, B and C; it is further classified as H1N1 and H3N2. Symptoms can include: sudden high fever, sore throat with dry cough, and muscle pains; some people may feel joint pain, and runny nose. Constant and severe fever can be fatal if not treated. Before discussing scientific facts, let us learn what The Center for Disease Control Atlanta (CDC) and The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends for preventing or dealing with the common cold and flu.

Prevention and handling

·        Proper hygiene and keeping yourself germ-free.

·        Wear protective clothing at the changing of seasons.

·        Getting flu shots ahead of time, unless you have an egg allergy.

·        Get plenty of rest and do not compromise your immunity.

·        Stay hydrated by drinking beverages that contain electrolytes.

·        Keep an eye on fever and your body temperature.

·        Gargle salt water to sooth your sore throat.

·        Use cough medicine, chicken broth and other OTC comforting medicines to keep your body well rested and strong enough to fight infection.

·        People with a weak immune system or chronic illness, infants and elderly, or people with medical conditions are at a higher risk to be affected, faster than healthy people. Use precautions, know your health history.

·        According to medical experts, antibiotics are weapons to fight bacterial infection. Unless, one has developed a bacterial infection alongside a viral one. Then antibiotics are not recommended, but let your family physician determine this. 

·        Antiviral medications are the most effective at the earliest stage. The moment you first feel the symptoms.

·        Consult your family physician for professional advice.

·        Viruses are known to develop resistance to antiviral medicines. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and stay conscious of your environment and the changing weather.

The World Health Organization (WHO) regularly updates its recommendations in the light of the latest research and development in disease prevention and control. Visit www.who.org or www.ced.gov to stay updated of health issues and disease prevention.  This article is written as a public service announce (PSA) on behalf of Lead My World’s academic development department. Lead my World USA’s mission is, “Spread Goodness, It’s worth it”.  For more information, please contact Najam@Leadmyworld.com