It’s that time of year when many people start feeling under the weather. You might wonder if you have a cold or the flu. Does it really matter? Let’s explore the differences between these two common illnesses.
Even though cold and flu symptoms can feel similar, they are caused by different viruses. The common cold can be caused by over 200 different viruses, including coronaviruses and rhinoviruses. This is why there’s no cure for the common cold. On the other hand, the flu is caused by specific influenza viruses.
When you catch a cold or the flu, you might experience symptoms like a sore throat, coughing, sneezing, mild fever, congestion, and headaches. If you have the flu, these symptoms can be more severe, with higher fevers and more body aches.
Colds usually cause a fever below 101°F (38°C) and mainly affect your throat and nose. The flu tends to impact your lungs and joints, leading to more aches and fatigue.
If you start feeling sick, it’s important to seek treatment within the first couple of days. After 48 hours, the virus stops multiplying but can still cause harm. Remember, antibiotics won’t help because they only work against bacteria, not viruses.
Some people find zinc helpful when they start feeling unwell. Zinc can boost your immune system, but don’t take too much, as it can be harmful in large amounts. Typically, a cold lasts about 10 days, while flu symptoms can last up to three weeks.
To reduce your chances of getting sick, consider getting a flu vaccine. Each year, scientists predict which flu viruses will be common and create a vaccine to protect against them. For example, the 2014 flu vaccine targeted specific strains of Influenza A and B.
If you catch a cold or the flu, the best thing you can do is rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods like warm chicken soup. Having supportive family or friends can also help you recover faster.
If you decide to take medication, decongestants and antihistamines can help relieve symptoms. However, only take antibiotics if a doctor confirms a bacterial infection.
Understanding the differences between colds and the flu can help you take better care of yourself. Stay informed, take preventive measures, and you’ll be better prepared to handle these common illnesses.
Imagine you are a detective trying to identify different viruses. Create flashcards with names and images of viruses that cause colds and the flu. Test your knowledge by matching each virus to the illness it causes. This will help you understand the different viruses responsible for colds and the flu.
Gather a list of symptoms and sort them into two categories: cold and flu. Use a chart to organize the symptoms based on severity and duration. This activity will help you recognize the differences in symptoms between a cold and the flu.
Research and create a poster about foods and habits that can boost your immune system. Include information on zinc and its role in fighting off illnesses. Share your poster with the class to learn how to stay healthy and prevent getting sick.
Participate in a simulation where you act as scientists predicting flu strains for the next year’s vaccine. Discuss how vaccines are developed and why they are important in preventing the flu. This will give you insight into the science behind flu prevention.
In pairs, role-play a scenario where one of you is sick with a cold or the flu. Create a recovery plan that includes rest, hydration, and nutrition. Discuss the importance of each step in the recovery process and how it helps you feel better.
This episode of DNews is brought to you by Harry’s. It’s cold and flu season, which can be quite unpleasant. When I start feeling unwell, I often wonder whether I have a cold or the flu—does it really matter? What’s the difference? When I experience symptoms like a cough or headache for a few days, I usually assume it’s just a cold. However, sometimes it turns out to be the flu!
Even though many medications claim to treat both cold and flu symptoms, they are caused by entirely different viruses. The common cold can be triggered by over 200 different viruses, including coronaviruses, rhinoviruses, and others. This variety is why we can’t “cure” the common cold. In contrast, the flu is specifically caused by influenza viruses. Both types of viruses invade the body and produce similar symptoms, as the human body has limited ways to respond to infections.
When infected, you might experience symptoms like a dry or sore throat, coughing, sneezing, mild fever, congestion, and possibly a headache. If the illness is severe, you may also feel aches and exhaustion, as your body uses resources to fight off the infection. Generally, the flu is worse than a cold, with higher fevers and more pronounced aches and fatigue.
While it can be challenging to distinguish between the two, colds typically result in a fever below 101°F (38°C) and primarily affect the throat, leading to a runny nose. The flu, on the other hand, impacts the lungs and joints, causing more body aches.
Once you’re infected, it’s crucial to seek treatment within the first couple of days. After about 48 hours, the virus usually stops multiplying and begins to cause more significant harm to the body. Unfortunately, there’s no simple cure for viral infections. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, as they target bacteria. Many remedies for colds and flu lack scientific backing. For instance, while vitamin C is popular, studies have shown little evidence of its effectiveness, except possibly for marathon runners with weakened immune systems.
I personally prefer taking zinc when I start feeling unwell, and research supports its use. Zinc helps immune cells function better, but be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive amounts can be harmful. Generally, a cold lasts about 10 days, while flu symptoms can linger for up to three weeks, even after the virus is gone.
To reduce your chances of getting sick, consider getting a flu vaccination. Only about 30% of adults get vaccinated each year. Flu vaccines are formulated annually based on predictions of which influenza viruses will be prevalent. For example, the 2014 flu vaccine protected against specific strains of Influenza A and B.
In summary, there is a difference between colds and the flu. If you catch one of the many viruses that cause these illnesses, the best approach is to stay hydrated, rest, and consume nutritious foods like warm chicken soup to support your immune system. Empathy can also play a role in recovery; studies suggest that individuals with supportive family or empathetic healthcare providers tend to recover faster.
If you choose to take medication, decongestants and antihistamines can alleviate symptoms of both colds and flu. However, avoid taking antibiotics unless you are certain of a bacterial infection, which a doctor can help determine.
And speaking of health, if you’re in need of a good razor, consider trying Harry’s! Founded by a couple of guys passionate about shaving, Harry’s offers affordable razors delivered right to your door. Visit Harrys.com and use the promo code DNews to save $5 off your first order while supporting the show.
Cold – A common viral infection that affects the nose and throat, causing sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. – Example sentence: When you have a cold, it’s important to rest and drink plenty of fluids to help your body recover.
Flu – A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, leading to symptoms like fever, body aches, and fatigue. – Example sentence: Getting a flu shot each year can help protect you from the influenza virus.
Virus – A tiny infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism, often causing disease. – Example sentence: The common cold is caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person.
Symptoms – Signs or indications of a disease or condition, such as fever, headache, or nausea. – Example sentence: If you experience symptoms like a sore throat and cough, you might be coming down with a cold.
Immune – Relating to the body’s defense system that protects against infections and diseases. – Example sentence: A healthy diet and regular exercise can help strengthen your immune system.
Vaccine – A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against diseases. – Example sentence: Scientists are working hard to develop new vaccines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Treatment – The medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury to help them recover. – Example sentence: Rest and hydration are common treatments for the flu to help alleviate symptoms.
Zinc – A mineral important for maintaining a healthy immune system and aiding in wound healing. – Example sentence: Foods rich in zinc, like nuts and seeds, can help support your immune health.
Bacteria – Microscopic single-celled organisms that can be beneficial or cause infections. – Example sentence: Not all bacteria are harmful; some are essential for digestion and overall health.
Recovery – The process of returning to a normal state of health after an illness or injury. – Example sentence: After a week of rest and proper care, she made a full recovery from the flu.
