Colds and flu. Causes, symptoms, differences and treatment

Influenza is a respiratory infection that is more severe than a cold. The complications of influenza, such as encephalopathy, pneumonia, are particularly characteristic of unvaccinated and vulnerable people, even leading to death. Vulnerable people include children under 5, infants, adults over 65, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, obese people and healthcare workers.

Flu and colds are two of the most common respiratory infections. The viruses that cause colds and flu viruses are highly contagious, easily spread from person to person through secretions that are shed when someone coughs, sneezes or talks.

Although the illness can come at any time of the year, even in summer, it's the cold months that are the most common time of year for colds. The reason for this is that because of the cold temperatures, we stay indoors more and so are in closer contact with each other.

Causes of flu

Influenza is generally caused by three types of influenza viruses, A, B, C, which have several strains. The type C flu virus causes a milder form of illness and does not cause epidemics. Influenza A and B, however, have multiple viral strains that cause annual epidemics. As a result, a new flu vaccine is produced each year that combines the strains of influenza A and B viruses that most commonly circulate in the population.

Your body has the ability to produce antibodies to the viral strains you have been sick with. In this way, the body can reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent re-infection with a virus strain that is similar to the one you had.

But it is important to be aware that the level of antibodies in the body decreases over time, so the main preventive measure is regular vaccination. Doctors recommend vaccination especially for vulnerable people.

Causes of the common cold

More than 200 viruses can cause colds, but in most cases rhinoviruses are involved. Coronaviruses cause colds to a lesser extent. Humans are affected by up to 6 strains of coronavirus, which can cause mild to moderate symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Other possible causes of the common cold are adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus. These three groups of viruses can cause mild symptoms in adults and quite severe problems in the elderly, children and others with compromised immune systems. People with asthma, those with lung disease or cardiovascular disease, premature babies are all at higher risk of complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

How are colds and flu transmitted?

Both colds and flu are transmitted in similar ways, through sneezing, coughing or direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

The easiest way to transmit flu and the common cold is from person to person, when the distance between them is less than 1.8 meters. The virus is generally transmitted mainly through contact with contaminated droplets from sick people. These droplets can end up in the nose, mouth or inhaled into the lungs.

Infectiousness in sick people lasts up to 3-4 days after onset of illness. But healthy adults who become infected can spread the virus for up to 5-7 days. People with a weakened immune system and children can transmit the virus even more than 7 days after onset of symptoms.

Onset of cold and flu

There are a number of differences in the onset of illness in colds and flu. Flu has a violent and sudden onset, with fever of 39-40 degrees Celsius and chills, fatigue, dry cough, eye pain, headache and red throat. There may also be general weakness, muscle and bone pain. We also distinguish flu-like situations with vomiting and nausea, eczema of the lips or nose, diarrhea.

If we compare it with the common cold, it starts with a mild headache, hoarseness, sneezing, tiredness, itching scalp, sore throat. Then later there may be an increase in the consistency of nasal mucus, irritation of the oral cavity and a slight pallor of the skin.

Flu and cold symptoms

The flu begins to manifest itself about 3 days after infection and usually disappears within a week. Symptoms include:

• Muscle aches;
• Sudden fever of 38-40 degrees Celsius;
• Chills;
• Fatigue;
• Profuse sweating;
• Dry cough;
• Nasal discharge;
• Sore throat;
• Muscle aches;
• Rarely, diarrhea and vomiting, especially among flu symptoms in children;
• Loss of appetite;

Cold symptoms are:

• Profuse nasal discharge;
• Sore throat;
• Stuffy nose;
• Coughing;
• Sneezing;
• Red eyes;
• Mild fever;
• Mild to moderate headache.

Signs of a cold usually appear within 2 days and improve after 8-10 days. But some colds can last up to 3 weeks.

Treatment of flu and colds

Colds and flu may require different types of treatment, including antibiotics. Only on the advice of your GP can antibiotics be given to treat complications that may arise.

The best cold and flu medicines are listed below.

How to treat flu

It is necessary to start the treatment of flu in adults and children by drinking fluids (tea, water, warm soups) and plenty of rest. Medications such as Nurofen, Panadol, which can also be used to treat colds and flu in children, and Aspirin are recommended for pain. Adolescents and especially children are not recommended to take aspirin, as it increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare and potentially lethal disease.

How to treat colds

In the treatment of colds are recommended:

• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicines such as Ibuprofen and Paracetamol;
• Nasal decongestants such as Xylo-nasal, Olynth, Rhinxyl. Prolonged use of these products may cause nasal congestion, therefore it is recommended to use up to 5 days. Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
• Cough syrups such as Coldtusin, Bronhosuport, Calmotusin.

Cough syrup with natural ingredients Coldtusin, 120 ml, Perrigo

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Calmotusin syrup, 200 ml, Dacia Plant

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Naturalis Bronhosuport - 7 herbs + honey x 100 ml

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If complications develop or the infection is severe, your doctor may recommend an antiviral flu medicine such as oseltamivir, peravimir, zanamivir.

However, it's best to avoid cold and flu medicines that contain the same active ingredient to avoid overdosing.

To speed up recovery after cold and flu is recommended:

• Rest - it is good to avoid children going to school and adults going to work, to decrease the risk of infecting those around you. On top of everything, it is recommended to rest in bed;
• Drink plenty of fluids - juice, water, clear soup. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they dehydrate;
• Adjust the humidity and temperatures in the room - keep the room warm but not hot. If the air is too dry, turn on the humidifier. Moderate humidity helps reduce coughing and decongest;
• Gargle to soothe sore throat;

Although there are some similarities between flu and colds, they are two separate conditions, even if they affect the same airways. While the common cold is more common and is less likely to cause problems, flu is particularly dangerous for the chronically ill, children, pregnant women and the elderly. In this context, flu vaccination as well as hand washing can help prevent infection.