What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

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Understanding the Differences Between a Cold and the Flu

Causes: Different Viruses

Common Cold Viruses: The common cold is primarily caused by rhinoviruses, but can also be triggered by coronaviruses and adenoviruses3 5.

Influenza Virus: The flu, on the other hand, is caused by the influenza virus3 5.

Symptom Severity and Duration

Cold Symptoms: Colds are generally milder and include symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild cough. These symptoms typically resolve within 7-10 days1 2 3 5 8.

Flu Symptoms: The flu is more severe and includes symptoms like high fever (above 39°C), body aches, extreme tiredness, dry cough, and headaches. These symptoms are more intense and can lead to serious health complications such as pneumonia1 2 3 5 8.

Onset and Duration

Cold Onset: Cold symptoms develop gradually and are usually self-limiting4 7.

Flu Onset: Flu symptoms appear suddenly and are more acute and debilitating4 7.

Seasonal Occurrence

Cold: Colds can occur at any time of the year6.

Flu: The flu is typically seasonal, occurring from fall to spring and peaking during the winter months6.

Treatment Approaches

Symptomatic Treatment: Both colds and the flu require symptomatic treatment, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and analgesics for pain and fever3 4 7.

Antibiotics: There is no role for antibiotics in treating either condition as they are viral infections. Antibiotics do not alter the course of the disease or prevent secondary infections3.

Contagiousness and Spread

Transmission: Both illnesses are highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets9.

Conclusion

While the common cold and the flu share many symptoms, they are caused by different viruses and vary significantly in severity, onset, and potential complications. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

The common cold and influenza

The common cold is milder and more likely to cause a runny or stuffy nose, while the flu is more severe and has more common and intense symptoms.

2016·1citation·H. V. Wyk·South African Pharmacist's Assistant

South African Pharmacist's Assistant ··DOI

The common cold and influenza : colds & flu

The common cold is milder and more likely to cause runny or stuffy noses, while the flu is more severe and has more intense symptoms like fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough.

2016·0citations·H. V. Wyk·SA Pharmacist's Assistant

SA Pharmacist's Assistant ··DOI

Colds and flu – an overview of the management

Colds and flu are caused by different viruses, and symptomatic treatment mainly involves over-the-counter medicines, antivirals, and herbal treatments.

2017·6citations·H. Ismail et al.·South African Family Practice

South African Family Practice ··DOI

Overview and management of colds and flu

Colds and flu are both viral infections that require symptomatic treatment, with influenza being more acute and debilitating.

2014·8citations·N. Schellack et al.·SA Pharmaceutical Journal

SA Pharmaceutical Journal ··DOI

The Common Cold and the Flu

The flu is worse than the common cold, with more intense symptoms and sudden appearance of symptoms.

2009·2citations·T. Önerci

·DOI

Nice-to-Know Facts about the Flu

The flu is seasonal, while colds can occur at any time, and both share respiratory symptoms.

2015·0citations·J. A. Peterson·ACSM'S Health & Fitness Journal

ACSM'S Health & Fitness Journal ··DOI

Overview and management of colds and flu : review

Common colds and influenza are both viral infections requiring symptomatic treatment, with influenza being more acute and debilitating.

2014·0citations·N. Schellack et al.·SA Pharmaceutical Journal

SA Pharmaceutical Journal ··DOI

Combination cold and flu preparations: getting ready for winter

Combination cold and flu preparations are a cost-effective way to protect against both common cold and flu symptoms, while also reducing the risk of hospitalization.

2011·0citations·F. Farrer·South African Pharmacist's Assistant

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CPD: Over the counter: Colds and influenza

Pharmacists can help individuals manage their symptoms and provide education to minimize the spread of cold and influenza, benefiting all ages.

2019·0citations·Mary Bushell et al.·The Australian Pharmacist

The Australian Pharmacist ··DOI

A cold or the flu – why is it important to know?

Pharmacist assistants play a crucial role in identifying and managing respiratory infections, ensuring patients receive appropriate care and advice, and referring patients to doctors when necessary.

2017·1citation·S. Davis·South African Pharmacist's Assistant

South African Pharmacist's Assistant ··DOI

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