Cold and Flu - Which is Which?

Cold and flu are two of the most commonly confused illnesses, as although they both possess some similar symptoms, they are very different. Making sure that you know what you have is the key to treating it in the right way.

Cold and flu have a major similarity, and that is that they are both highly contagious diseases. They can spread from person to person, just from one victim of the illness being in the same room as others..

Cold symptoms include a runny nose and a cough which tends to get worse in time. Sneezing, a blocked nose and sore throat are other common symptoms. Then, a victim may feel a fever, fatigue and earache, all of which can develop fully within two days, but often last for up to two weeks.

Flu however is caused when the virus infects the lower respiratory tract's endothelium cells. These cells are killed off, causing a build up of bacteria in the system. Symptoms of the illness then start to take shape, which include a couch, sore throat and a fever (up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), aches and pains all over the body, nausea and a burning sensation in the eyes. Flu symptoms can also take two weeks or so to clear.

Children are a lot more prone to catching colds. The average is about 12 times each year, while it is just four times a year in adults. Flu severity depends on the type and strain going around at the time. It is also far more unpredictable, and can develop over a short period of time.

Colds and flu don’t necessarily require medication to treat it. In fact, it’s often recommended that a victim just stay at home in bed taking paracetamol and drinking plenty of fluid. This way they are concentrating on getting better, rather than spreading the illness further.


If you are showing symptoms of a cold , or believe you are suffering with the flu virus