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Cold and flu – Essential factors to know

The cold and flu are contagious upper-respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Cold symptoms are milder than the flu and develop slowly. Flu symptoms often come suddenly and are typically more intense. Some cases of the flu can cause complications like sinus and ear infections and pneumonia. As the cold and flu share so many symptoms, it is important to know what you are dealing with before taking any treatment options.

Causes
Viruses that can cause a common cold include

Rhinoviruses
These viruses are the most common ones to affect you, but they do not make you seriously sick.

Parainfluenza
This virus can cause severe conditions such as pneumonia, especially in young children.

Coronavirus
There are different types of coronaviruses, of which only three or four of them are harmful.

The spread of the influenza virus causes the flu. When people with the flu are coughing, sneezing, or talking, the spread of fluid on a surface can also infect someone if they come in contact with it. Common flu viruses are

Influenza A
This virus is quite harmful and is known to spread rapidly; it can be found in humans, pigs, and birds.

Influenza B
This virus is less severe and is found in humans.

Influenza C
This virus affects humans but does not spread rapidly.

Symptoms
The common cold and flu have similar symptoms. Here are some signs you should know about:

Fever
When you have a cold, fever occurs rarely. With flu, a high fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher may last for three to four days.

Aches
You may have mild aches in your muscles and joints with a cold. The flu can cause severe body pain.

Chills
With a cold, chills are a rare thing. But you are most likely to experience chills with the flu.

Fatigue
Flu causes tiredness and fatigue, and with a cold, fatigue may happen sometimes.

Sneezing
A cold can most likely cause more sneezing than the flu.

Cough
Coughing is a common symptom of both the cold and flu. But it may be severe with flu.

Stuffy nose
A stuffy nose is a prominent symptom when you have a cold. With flu, you may sometimes have a stuffy nose.

Sore throat
You are more likely to have a sore throat with a cold; a sore throat can sometimes occur with the flu.

Headache
Headache is more common with flu than cold.

Most colds do not require a visit to a doctor. However, there are some warning signs to look for if the symptoms last for more than ten days and continue to worsen.

Treatment
Though there is no cure available, there are over-the-counter treatments that can help ease the discomfort caused by specific cold and flu symptoms.

Analgesics
Analgesics are commonly used to ease body aches and fever symptoms.

Antihistamines
Antihistamines are effective in easing sneezing and runny nose symptoms.

Decongestants
Discomfort from nasal congestion can be relieved by using decongestants.

Nasal Steroids
Nasal steroids can relieve symptoms such as a runny nose or sinus pressure. These treatments are available over the counter or with a prescription.

Expectorants
Expectorants can help loosen the cough or mucus production.

Antitussives
These options may help suppress cough in those with a cold.

Prescription anti-flu
Prescription treatments can help make the flu symptoms milder. However, these options are effective only when used within the first 48 hours of flu-like symptoms.

Remedies
Certain home remedies can also provide you relief from cold and flu symptoms.

Drink plenty of water
It is important to stay hydrated to replenish the fluids you have lost. It will also help thin the mucus and make it easier to drain from your nose.

Gargle with salt water
Gargling with salt water may help decrease the severity of cold symptoms such as sore throat and nasal congestion.

Warm baths
Cold and flu symptoms can also be reduced by taking warm baths. You can add a few drops of essential oil such as rosemary, thyme, or eucalyptus for a soothing effect.

Vitamin C
Having foods with vitamin C may also help in shortening the lifespan of a cold. Fruits like oranges, grapefruits, limes, and avocados are great examples.

Probiotics
According to a study, probiotics have been found to protect the immune system against flu viruses. Consume foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh.

Rest and sleep
These factors boost immunity and ward off cold and flu viruses. Try to get extra rest that will help your body fight the virus.

You can prevent the cold and flu by washing your hands frequently with soap and water, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding close contact with people with a cold. To prevent flu, doctors recommend getting a vaccine.

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