Flu or cold? Find out which one caught you

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We are wet, we were blew by yesterday, we feel rotten. We have chills, we are burning up, we have a sore throat. Our friends have the flu. But are we too?

1. The difference between a cold and the flu is how each symptom appears
2. Pay attention to the alarm symptoms, especially the temperature, which may indicate complications in the body
3. Before the flu season, it is worth getting vaccinated

Runny nose, cough, joint pain, breakdown. This is how a cold begins. Unfortunately, also flu, and as a result of its complications, over a million people die each year. The disease is still dangerous, especially for the elderly and children.

Is it just a runny nose or are you already dealing with the flu?

The common cold is a mild viral disease that lasts from 7 to 10 days, peak of symptoms is on the third day, then improves. It affects the upper respiratory tract, i.e. it does not go below the neck. We have a sore throat, we have a runny nose. No cough. On the other hand, we refer to the classic flu (or flu-like illness) when we have systemic symptoms: breakdown, chills, high fever – above 38,5 degrees, dry cough and runny nose, joint and muscle pain, lack of appetite. Nausea may appear. It should be a sudden illness.

Fever

This is one of the main symptoms that can be used to tell the difference between the flu and the common cold. While the increased temperature actually accompanies the flu, fluctuating around 39-40 degrees Celsius, in the case of a cold it may not be at all. Most people who have a cold experience recurrent low-grade fever, but this cannot be compared with the persistently high body temperature during the flu, which is often accompanied by chills and profuse sweating.

Drinking warm infusions, e.g. from hibiscus, will help reduce fever. Hibiscus – organic tea is now available at Medonet Market. The herb of verbena also has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. It is also worth rubbing BIO cold balm with Propolia BeeYes propolis, which warms up and facilitates breathing.

Pain in muscles and joints

This ailment occurs with both flu and colds, but varies significantly in intensity and duration. In the case of flu, we can even talk about asthenia, i.e. weakening of the muscles of the entire body and joint pain that clearly hinders everyday functioning. This condition persists throughout the duration of the virus infection, and is especially noticeable in those parts of the body that have been injured previously. Conversely, an infection that leads to a cold, although it is also associated with muscle problems, usually does not affect the entire body and does not last throughout the disease.

Headache

In fact, every flu, apart from muscle pain, is also accompanied by intense headaches, most often located around the temples and sinuses. Unfortunately, in most cases, they cannot be effectively eliminated from the course of the disease with the use of standard medications. Chronic headache around the eyes can also contribute to photophobia. Colds, although also accompanied by similar symptoms, are not problematic in terms of headache. If it only occurs in spots, you can get rid of it with painkillers.

Do you have symptoms that indicate a cold or flu? Talk to your doctor about them. Register on the haloDoctor platform. You will be able to do consultations within 10 minutes.

Conjunctivitis

It occurs especially during flu, when the eyes start to water, itch and become intolerant to light (photophobia). It rarely occurs during colds.

Sore throat

A sore throat is most often associated with a cold, and is usually associated with regular coughing, which strains the patient’s respiratory system. In the case of influenza, it is less common, although it becomes more severe in the last stage of the disease, also due to an increasing cough. During a cold, we are also accompanied by a characteristic scratching sensation in the throat.

Dry cough

This is a characteristic symptom of infection with the flu virus. A dry cough without discharge and phlegm sometimes takes the form of paroxysmal, translating into muscle pain in the chest area. In the last stage of influenza, a dry cough may change form and develop symptoms similar to a cold, i.e. occur together with productive coughing.

An expectorant, astringent and soothing effect has, for example, red elm bark 50g – the YANGO dietary supplement, which is available in the form of a powder.

Qatar

Besides the intensity of the fever, this is the second symptom after which it is easiest to distinguish between a cold and a flu. If there is a minor infection, the runny nose is usually more intense, watery at first, causing nasal obstruction. Flu, on the other hand, often occurs without a runny nose.

Nausea or mild diarrhea

It actually only occurs in the event of an intense attack of flu, especially in young children, who are at risk of dehydration in case of diarrhea. In this case, see a doctor immediately.

No appetite

Characteristic for both flu and colds, nevertheless, in the case of flu, it may last for the entire duration of the disease and is more severe. This is due to the full mobilization of the body to fight the virus, which is gained, among others, by thanks to the reduction of appetite, and thus the energy-consuming digestive process.

The intensity of the onset of symptoms

The difference between a cold and the flu also shows in the way symptoms appear. In the case of a cold, the patient’s situation gradually worsens, which can be divided into three stages. Sore throat, fever and runny nose, then swelling causing difficulties in expectoration, combined with dehydration, and in the event of ineffective treatment – dangerous bacterial superinfection. Influenza has a more rapid course, so we often feel that we are caught by surprise. Sudden fever, reaching even 40 degrees, is characteristic here.

Prophylactically, it is worth drinking herbs that support immunity and help in the treatment of colds and flu. Try, for example, Organic Gentian herb or Rose Petals, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

How can I deal with the flu?

– Drink plenty of fluids. You can alleviate the symptoms while remembering that if someone has a fever, he or she will not be healthier than this. It is important to stay in bed for a few days to create optimal conditions for your body to heal. And it is important to watch out for alarm symptoms, if the fever (temperature above 38,5) persists for more than three days, or disappears and then recurs, it suggests that there are complications – says Dr. hab Ernest Kuchar, head of the Pediatrics Clinic of the Medical University of Warsaw.

What else should arouse our vigilance? Haemoptysis, severe shortness of breath, dehydration manifested by failure to urinate. Any disturbance of consciousness, even in the form of excessive sleepiness – in these cases, you should see a doctor.

The most effective way to prevent disease is to increase your immunity. It is worth taking care of the proper level of vitamins and minerals in the body. Natural dietary supplements for immunity are available on Medonet Market. A strengthened immune system is less prone to diseases, and when they occur, it fights infections faster. Warming ginger teas, such as Ginger Bio Yogi Tea, also work well.

1. If you want to support your immunity, it is worth using the Natjun elderberry flower infusion, which you can find at a promotional price on the Medonet Market.

Before the flu season, it is also worth getting a flu shot. – In Poland, the elderly are the most rational group, because among them there is the highest percentage of the vaccinated. And he should be among the chronically ill. Because if someone has circulatory failure or diabetes, it is known that he will be seriously ill with flu – warns Dr. Cook.

Check: What is the difference between a cold and tonsillitis?