Cold and Flu, What is The Difference?

Cold and flu Both are caused by respiratory viruses and symptoms are so similar that they can be easily confused and misdiagnosed. It is important to recognize the difference between the symptoms of cold and flu to make sure what treatment to take. While a cold lasts several days, the flu can lead to more serious complications that can be fatal to some people.

It is important to recognize the difference between the symptoms of cold and flu antiviral medications, which are effective in treating the flu, should be started at the beginning of the disease. It is therefore important to know what is involved. A major difference between the cold and flu is the rate of appearance and the ability to attack with the virus. While the cold cause headache, nasal congestion and cough, influenza only causes high fever. Often during the first days of high fever flu appears, along with chills and prominent severe pain in the joints, back and legs. The sudden appearance of aches, pains, fever and fatigue can leave patients in bed.

Finally, to differentiate the-counter cold and flu, the biggest difference I can find is how long the virus remains in your body. The cold, including not last more than a week, the former being the most difficult days. However flu can last up to three weeks, the first week being the most severe.

It is important to remember that both the cold and the flu are highly contagious diseases, especially during its early stages. Both viruses enter the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or ear and is usually transmitted through the air, which makes them highly contagious. It is also important to note that often the symptoms of both diseases may be mistaken but changed radically in terms of severity and duration thereof. If in doubt, it is best to see a doctor for a professional diagnosis.

Prevent colds and flu: Another difference between cold and flu is prevention. Currently it is impossible to prevent the onset of a common cold. It is an airborne virus that is highly contagious for which there is no vaccine or medication that could prevent infection. In the case of influenza however, is possible to prevent an annual vaccine or an anti-viral.