Taking sensible precautions to keep ourselves and others safe should give us the best chance of avoiding or minimising the impact of flu this winter.
Is it the flu or just a cold?
The season is upon us – it’s that time of year when everyone reaches for the cold and flu medicine at the slightest hint of a cough or runny nose – but which is it, a cold, or the flu?
It’s a cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and upper airways that can be caused by any number of viruses. Adults can expect to experience two to four colds a year, children will catch between five and six, while nursery-aged children might experience up to 12 a year.
Symptoms include blocked nose or congestion, a runny nose, coughing and sneezing, along with a mild high temperature and generally feeling unwell and are usually at their worst after two or three days and gradually clear, although the cough may linger for another couple of weeks as the inflammation in the airways caused by the infection subsides.
It’s the flu
Flu is also caused by a virus, specifically the influenza virus. Symptoms are similar to those of a cold, but the flu also causes fever, fatigue, aches and pains in the muscles/joints, headaches, and nausea.
‘The flu’ is far more severe than the common cold. The symptoms, although similar, are more dramatic and last longer. Signs it might be flu rather than just a cold include having a very high fever, headaches, and body aches. With a cold, aches are usually mild and fever not so apparent.
Flu typically lasts between one to two weeks with the worst symptoms coming after three to four days. It can take longer to overcome the fatigue and weakness that accompany flu and the dry cough most people experience can hang around for a while as well.
Treatment and Prevention
There are no specific treatments for the common cold or influenza; however, there are many ways to ease their symptoms including:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease aches and pains.
- Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, particularly if there is a fever.
- Vapour rubs to clear stuffy noses
- Warm honey and lemon drinks, decongestant drops, and cough sweets may ease throat and nose symptoms.
- Steam inhalation may help.
Many sufferers turn to over-the-counter cold and flu medicines to lessen their symptoms. Since many of these contain paracetamol and decongestants, care should be taken if using more than one medicine, to avoid taking too much of one ingredient.
Both illnesses are passed from person to person via droplets in coughs and sneezes, or touching a surface where the virus has landed. Simple steps can be taken to prevent the viruses from spreading, including regularly washing hands with soap and water and avoiding close contact with those infected – even children sharing toys can cause the virus to spread.
Conclusion
It is impossible to prevent the common cold and influenza, but common sense and good hygiene mean the spread can be contained and lower the risk of spreading to others around you. Stay Safe!
Written by Farzana Patel
02nd February 2024
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