Essential Terms and Exam-Ready Facts About Cold and Flu
Differentiating between influenza, also known as the flu, and the common cold can be challenging. Both diseases affect the respiratory system and are caused by viruses; in addition, they share many of the same symptoms. The symptoms of a cold are often less severe and clear up within seven to ten days, whereas the symptoms of the flu typically last for two weeks or longer. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of individuals who are infected with the flu will recover in less than two weeks. However, the symptoms are worse, and serious consequences such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus or ear infections can develop as a result of having the flu. Antibiotics are not an effective therapeutic choice for viral illnesses like the common cold or the flu since these illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
Basics of Cold
A cold, also known as a common cold, is a respiratory illness that is very common and is typically caused by infections with rhinoviruses. Colds are a leading cause of missed work or school, with the typical U.S. adult having more than one per year. From childhood into adulthood, the vast majority of people will have experienced multiple incidences of the common cold. Cold-causing viruses usually get into the body through the nostrils and nasal passages. In retaliation, clear mucus is produced by the nose in order to flush the virus away.
Colds will get better on their own even though there is no cure for them. People can relieve their symptoms by getting as much rest as they can, drinking plenty of fluids, and, if necessary, using cold medicine. Complications are extremely uncommon, and in most cases, there is no requirement to see a medical professional. A cold, however, has the potential to cause serious illness in those who have compromised immune systems, such as those who have asthma or another condition that affects the airways.
What is a Flu?
The influenza virus can cause a variety of respiratory illnesses, the most common of which is known simply as "the flu." Although influenza infections are not as common as colds, when they do occur, they are more severe and can lead to more serious complications. Feverish feelings or a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius or higher are two of the most prominent symptoms of the flu. On the other hand, not everyone who has the flu will run a temperature. Some might also experience cold cough fever symptoms during the flu.
Types of Flu
There are three types of influenza A, B, and C. All three types can mutate or change into new strains, and type A influenza changes a lot, making new strains of the virus every few years. This indicates that it is impossible to establish a long-lasting immunity against the influenza virus. Even if you acquire flu antibodies one year, they will protect you against a new strain the next.
Type A mutations cause the big flu outbreaks that happen every few years and the big pandemics that can happen, but not very often. Type B is less common, and most people who get it have milder symptoms. But type B flu can cause major outbreaks every three to five years.
Type C influenza induces infection but not normal flu symptoms. Both influenza A and B have been linked to Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that usually affects children and teens under the age of 18. Reye's syndrome has spread widely when people get influenza type B or chickenpox, but other viruses have also been linked to it. Aspirin raises the risk of Reye's syndrome, so people under the age of 18 shouldn't take it if they have signs of a virus or are getting over the flu or another virus.
Most influenza viruses that cause illness in people seem to come from parts of Asia, where close contact between livestock and people makes it easy for viruses to change and spread. Swine, or pigs, can get avian (from birds, like poultry) and human forms of a virus.
Common Cold vs Influenza
Both the influenza virus infection (commonly referred to as the flu) and the common cold are contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Cold symptoms may not be similar to the symptoms of flu. The common cold, on the other hand, may be brought on by any one of a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses. The influenza virus is the only pathogen that can cause the flu.
There is a significant difference between seasonal coronaviruses and SARS-COV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. As a result of the fact that the flu and the common cold share many of the same symptoms, it can be challenging to differentiate between the two based solely on the symptoms. In general, influenza is a more serious illness than the common cold, with symptoms that are typically more severe and have an earlier onset.
The common cold is typically less severe than the flu. People who have a cold are more likely than people who have the flu to have nasal congestion or runny nose symptoms. The common cold almost never develops into a more serious illness that requires medical attention, except for conditions such as pneumonia, and bacterial infections. Complications associated with the flu can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of Cold and Flu
Interesting Facts
Bird flu could be the next pandemic flu bug since it has produced an alarming epidemic in poultry and wild birds in Asia and Eastern Europe.
There's a common misconception that getting wet or chilled can make you sick.
As a result of exhaustion and emotional discomfort, or if you have allergies with nose and throat symptoms, you are more prone to develop a cold.
Key Features
Cold and flu are both caused by viruses.
The symptoms of a cold can be cleared up sooner than the flu.
There is a rise in body temperature in the flu but not in the cold.
Both flu and virus are contagious.
Important Questions
1) What is Type C flu?
Ans: Type C influenza induces infection but not normal flu symptoms. Both influenza A and B have been linked to Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that usually affects children and teens under the age of 18. Reye's syndrome has spread widely when people get influenza type B or chickenpox, but other viruses have also been linked to it. Aspirin raises the risk of Reye's syndrome, so people under the age of 18 shouldn't take it if they have signs of a virus.
2) What is cold?
Ans: A cold, also known as a common cold, is a respiratory illness that is very common and is typically caused by infections with rhinoviruses. Colds are a leading cause of missed work or school, with the typical U.S. adult having more than one per year. From childhood into adulthood, the vast majority of people will have experienced multiple incidences of the common cold. Cold-causing viruses usually get into the body through the nostrils and nasal passages.
FAQs on Cold and Flu: Definitions, Symptoms, and Prevention
1. What are the main differences between a common cold and the flu?
While both are respiratory illnesses, the flu is generally more intense and comes on suddenly. A cold typically starts slowly with a sore throat and runny nose as the main symptoms. The flu, however, usually brings a high fever, headache, significant body aches, and fatigue right from the start.
2. What viruses are responsible for causing the common cold and the flu?
The common cold can be caused by hundreds of different viruses, but the most frequent culprit is the Rhinovirus. The flu is more specific and is caused only by Influenza viruses, primarily types A and B, which are responsible for the seasonal epidemics.
3. What are some effective home remedies to manage cold and flu symptoms?
To help your body recover and ease the symptoms of a cold or flu, you can focus on these simple remedies:
- Rest: Give your body plenty of sleep and rest to build its strength.
- Hydration: Drink lots of fluids like water, warm broth, or juice to prevent dehydration.
- Soothe your throat: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat pain and irritation.
- Ease congestion: Using a humidifier or inhaling steam can help clear a stuffy nose.
4. Why are antibiotics ineffective against the common cold and flu?
Antibiotics are specifically designed to fight infections caused by bacteria. The common cold and flu are caused by viruses. Therefore, taking an antibiotic will have no effect on the virus and will not help you get better. It's important to use antibiotics only when prescribed for a bacterial infection to prevent antibiotic resistance.
5. How can you tell the difference between symptoms of a cold, the flu, and COVID-19?
While symptoms can overlap, there are some general patterns. A cold is usually mildest, with a focus on a runny nose and sneezing. The flu often includes a high fever and severe body aches. COVID-19 is known for a wider range of symptoms, but a distinct early sign for many is the loss of taste or smell. For a definite diagnosis, a medical test is always required.
6. Are some types of flu viruses, like Influenza A, more dangerous than others?
Yes. Virologists classify flu into types A, B, and C. Influenza A is generally considered the most dangerous as it can cause severe disease and is the only type known to cause global flu pandemics. Influenza B also causes seasonal outbreaks but is typically less severe. Influenza C causes very mild, cold-like symptoms.
7. How do flu vaccines work, and why do you need a new one every year?
A flu vaccine introduces a weakened or inactive part of the flu virus into your body. This prompts your immune system to produce antibodies to fight it off, creating a 'memory' of how to defeat that virus. You need a new shot every year because influenza viruses mutate rapidly, changing their structure. This means the antibodies from last year's vaccine may not recognise this year's new strains.
