Cold, cough, and flu are all caused by viruses, and often we take over-the-counter medications to tackle them. Some of the common symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, cough, and congestion. Although most of us might not pay a visit to the doctor when we have these symptoms, some of the cases might be serious and warrant necessary doctor consultation. The symptoms in this case will include fever and muscle soreness. Some of the common medications that work against a virus include Relenza and Tamiflu.
Symptoms of cold, flu, and cough from a virus
The symptoms of cold and flu differ largely because of the nature of the two kinds of viral infections. While people might use the two terms interchangeably, they are very different in how they present in the human body. The common symptoms of a cold include
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Headache and body aches
- Mild tiredness
On the other hand, symptoms of the flu are
- Dry cough
- Fever, in certain cases
- Sore throat
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Quivering chills
- Lasting fatigue for a couple of weeks
- Vomiting or nausea
- Diarrhea (commonly witnessed in children)
Of the two conditions, cold is often milder than the flu. The cold lasts for a maximum of 10 days, though the symptoms of cold can be experienced for up to two weeks.
The symptoms of flu kick in quickly and they can be severe. The duration of flu is from one week to more than two weeks in certain cases.
Depending on the symptoms that you might have, you can diagnose either of the two. If you have the flu, it is suggested to visit the doctor within the first two days of showing symptoms. However, most people do not visit the doctor when they catch a cold. Taking adequate rest, sleeping well, and eating healthy are definitely some ways to suppress the effects of cold. It must be noted that there is no permanent cure for a virus, and we can only try to keep the viral load in check and take medicines that stop the virus from multiplying.
Causes of cold, flu, and cough from a virus
The common cold can be caused by as many as 200 different viruses. Almost half of all the cases of a cold are caused by a virus known as the rhinovirus, while there are other cold-causing viruses including human parainfluenza virus, human metapneumovirus, coronaviruses adenovirus, enteroviruses, and human respiratory syncytial virus.
Causes of flu differ from those of cold. There are four types of flu viruses known to us, and not all types infect humans. They are influenzas A, B, C, and D. Out of these, D is known to only infect animals.
Risk factors
Some people are more vulnerable to catching the virus than others. These peoples include kids under the age of six years, older adults, individuals who smoke often, and people who have a weak immunity system.
In addition, people who are around infected people are also at risk since the virus spreads quickly. Further, it has been noted that people are more likely to get cold and flu during the winter season, although one can catch the virus any time in the year.