The Common Cold vs. the Flu

Common cold and the flu often have similarities. The flu has more severe symptoms. Awareness of their differences can help you get earlier treatments from the local urgent care clinic. If you want to know the differences between the flu and common cold, here are the details.

The causes

There are at least 200 strains of viruses. Some coronaviruses and rhinoviruses cause the common cold. COVID-19 is one of the coronaviruses in this category. Influenza A, B, or C cause the flu. The most common types of influenza viruses are A and B.

The symptoms

Upon the onset of each, it is almost difficult to tell if a person has the flu or a common cold. A cold often has a slow development. A runny or stuffy nose is a common symptom in this mild viral infection. The flu symptoms start right away. They tend to be more intense as well. Below are the flu symptoms not evident in a common cold:

• Headache
• Fever for three to four days
• Weakness or fatigue
• Lower back pains
• Chills

People with colds do not experience diarrhea or vomiting. A person with flu may. An infected individual could go to an urgent care facility to have a good diagnosis. This should happen upon the onset of the symptoms. The urgent care provider could then give early treatment for the symptoms.

Common cold and the flu may have the same symptoms. Some people may have flu without fever. Others may have a cold with fever and coughing. The attending doctor can help determine which of these viral infections were caught by the individual.

The complications

Often, colds do not lead to more complicated issues. But colds can trigger an asthma attack in individuals with asthma. The flu can result in severe complications. It can lead to bacterial infections or even pneumonia. These complications often cause annual hospitalizations and fatalities.

Mode of transmission

Common cold and the flu have the same modes of transmission. These illnesses are both contagious. A person in close contact with an infected person can get the infection. Touching a contaminated surface or inhaling infective droplets can cause infection as well.

The treatments

The common cold and the flu both result from viral infections. Antibiotics cannot work against these illnesses. Most infected persons will get better within a couple of weeks. Relieving their symptoms is possible through home remedies or specific medications. Fever reducers, decongestants, and expectorants are a few of the common medications for these conditions.

Preventive measures

Practicing good personal hygiene measures can help prevent the common cold and the flu. Proper handwashing can prevent an infection. Proper rest and a healthy diet can enhance one’s immunity. A flu vaccine each year can prevent colds and the flu. Staying away from infected people and wearing face masks can protect other people from the infective aerosols.