Flu and cold: what differences?

Runny nose, headache, cough: flu and cold symptoms are very similar. However, these are two different viruses, the first is more serious than the second: so how do you know?

Explanation of the flu virus The flu is a scary disease. Jean-François Saluzzo, virologist at the WHO and author of a book on the issue, goes back in detail on the influenza viruses, which cause the flu. © ABSMARTHEALTH-Sciences

Besides their symptoms similar (sore throat and headache, fatigue, runny nose…), the influenza and colds have many things in common. These are generally diseases related to cold or a change in temperature, highly contagious and caused by a virus. However, these are very different viruses: that of the influenza, the influenza virus type A, B or C enters the blood and spreads throughout the body, causing generalized 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 nose and throat.

It is generally believed that the fever is related to the flu, but this is not necessarily true, because a cold may be accompanied by fever and, conversely, some people go through flu without fever. The main difference between the symptoms is their intensity. A flu will usually make you sleep in bed and keep you from working, while a cold shouldn't stop you from doing your daily chores. Here are some signs that may give an indication as to the diagnostic (which can only be done by a doctor).

Treatment and prevention of flu and colds

In either case, there is no miracle cure. Treatment usually involves resting, taking paracetamol in case of fever or headache, drink a lot (why not a good honey tea for sore throat) and possibly make inhalations to decongest the nasal passages.

Unlike the common cold, the flu can be prevented by getting vaccinated at the start of theautumn. But beware, this is not a guarantee because the virus can mutate compared to what the epidemiologists had anticipated. It is therefore possible to catch the flu even when vaccinated. Finally, remember that influenza is a potentially fatal disease: it kills between 11,000 and 15,000 patients in France each year, mainly elderly people. The common cold is fatal only in exceptional cases of respiratory infections.

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