Runny nose, headache, cough: the symptoms of the flu and the common cold are very similar. However, these are two different viruses, the first is more serious than the second: so how do you know?
Besides their similar symptoms (sore throat and headache, fatigue, runny nose…), the flu and the common cold have many things in common. These are diseases usually related to cold or a change in temperature, highly contagious and caused by a virus. However, these are very different viruses: that of the fluthe influenza virus type A, B, or C enters the blood and spreads throughout the body, causing widespread symptoms. The common cold is generally linked to a rhinovirus, of which there are hundreds of variants, and remains mainly confined to the level of the nose and throat.
It is generally thought that the fever is linked to the flu, but this is not necessarily true, because a common cold can be accompanied by fever and conversely, some people go through the flu without a feverish state. The main difference between the symptoms is in their intensity. The flu will usually put you in bed and keep you from working, while a cold shouldn’t keep you from performing your daily tasks. Here are some signs that can give an indication as to the diagnosis (which can only be made by a doctor).
Treatment and prevention of flu and colds
Either way, there is no miracle cure. Treatment usually consists of rest, taking paracetamol in case of fever or headache, drink a lot (why not a good honey tea against sore throat) and possibly take inhalations to decongest the nasal passages.
Unlike the common cold, the flu can be prevented by getting vaccinated at the start of thefall. But beware, this is not a guarantee because the virus can mutate compared to what epidemiologists had anticipated. It is therefore possible to catch the flu even when vaccinated. Finally, remember that the flu is a potentially fatal disease: it kills between 11,000 and 15,000 patients in France each year, mainly the elderly. The common cold is fatal only in exceptional cases of secondary respiratory infections.
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