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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 for children who, for example, due to diarrhea associated with influenza, may become dehydrated very quickly.
We get a cold statistically two or three times a year, and autumn and winter do not spare almost anyone in this regard. Check if it’s just a runny nose and freezing cold, or if you are already dealing with the flu. If the latter, seek medical attention.
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.
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.
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 or phlegm sometimes takes the form of paroxysmal, translating into muscle pain in the chest area. In the last phase of influenza, dry cough may change form and take symptoms similar to a cold, i.e. occur together with productive coughing,
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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 the common cold and the flu is also 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.