The flu and the common cold are 2 different diseases, although they both cause symptoms of sneezing, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, and runny nose. The difference between the flu and colds is not only the virus that causes it, but also the severity.
Flu or influenza is an upper respiratory infection caused by influenza virus type A, type B, or type C. This virus is different from most other viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections in cases of coughing and colds (common cold). Cough and cold can be caused by more than 200 kinds of viruses. However, the virus that most often causes colds and coughs is: rhinovirus.
Difference Between Flu and Cold Cough in terms of Symptoms
Despite having symptoms that at first glance seem the same, the flu generally causes more serious symptoms than a cold cough. Some of the symptoms that are often experienced by flu sufferers are:
- sneeze
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fever with body temperature of 380C or more
- Cough and chest pain
- Shivering
- Headaches and muscle aches all over the body
- Feeling weak and very tired that makes the sufferer unable to move
Cough and cold also have symptoms of sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing. However, other symptoms such as fever, chest pain, headache, or fatigue are usually milder or less frequent.
Difference Between Flu and Cold Cough in terms of disease course
Flu symptoms often appear and worsen suddenly within a few hours. Complaints experienced will usually last for 1 week. However, it is not uncommon for these complaints to continue for up to 2 weeks.
While the cough cold has symptoms that appear gradually. This condition is usually preceded by a sore throat which will improve in 1-2 days. Other symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and coughing usually appear on the fourth or fifth day. Cough and cold generally get better within 1 week.
Difference Between Flu and Cold Cough in terms of Complications
The flu has more serious symptoms than a cold and often leads to more dangerous complications. One of the serious complications of the flu is a lung infection (pneumonia).
In pneumonia, an infection in the upper respiratory tract spreads to the lungs, so the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and fill with fluid. This condition interferes with the exchange of oxygen in the lungs, causing symptoms of shortness of breath which can lead to respiratory failure.
While coughs and colds rarely cause serious complications that require hospitalization. Some complications that may arise due to cough and cold are sinusitis and otitis media.
How to Treat Flu and Cough Colds
Both the flu and the common cold do not require antibiotics because they are not caused by a bacterial infection. Both of these diseases are caused by viral infections that can get better on their own (self-limiting) if the patient's immune system is good.
Antibiotics can be given by a doctor if someone with a cold or flu also has a bacterial infection in addition to a viral infection.
Patients with flu or colds are advised to rest and drink enough water to avoid dehydration. Some pain relievers, fever, cough, and cold can also be taken to relieve symptoms. In cases of flu that are serious enough, the doctor may give you antiviral drugs.
How to Prevent the Flu and Cough Colds
Influenza viruses and viruses that cause coughs and colds are both transmitted through droplets of saliva released by sufferers when they sneeze or cough. Droplets containing the virus can be inhaled by other people who are healthy or fall on the surface of objects around the sufferer. If a healthy person touches the object and then touches the eye, nose, or mouth area, he or she can contract the virus.
Prevention of colds and flu can be done by:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water before touching your face
- Using hand sanitizer products (hand sanitizer) containing at least 60% alcohol if there is no water and soap
- Keep your distance from people who are sick with the flu or coughing colds
- Do not share the use of eating utensils, towels, or toothbrushes with others
- Receive the flu vaccine every year as scheduled
That's the difference between colds and flu, and how to treat and prevent them. Although at first glance similar, flu symptoms are generally more serious than the symptoms of a cold cough. In people whose immune systems are weak, the influenza virus can even cause pneumonia. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures.
If you experience flu or cold symptoms that do not improve within 1 week, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
Written by:
dr. Irene Cindy Sunur