At the first sign of a sneeze and a runny nose, that’s it! We already think that the flu has come knocking at our door, and fortunately that’s not always the case. Many people do not know how to distinguish the symptoms or understand what is happening in their bodies, so let’s inform you about the difference between the flu and a cold, providing not only information but also the chance to take even better care of yourself, since the flu is not something trivial and can lead to death in children, elderly people, or those with lower immunity.
Both the flu and colds are considered viral diseases and go far beyond the symptoms that reveal them. Even though their symptoms are quite similar, there are major differences between the flu and a cold, especially in the intensity with which they appear. And therein lies the big difference: the intensity of the symptoms, since with a cold the symptoms are mild and disappear more quickly.
The flu is caused by the virus known as Influenza, while colds are caused by the Rhinovirus or other similar viruses. The flu lasts longer, about 7 to 10 days, and leaves the person completely worn out, physically unable to perform daily activities. A cold, on the other hand, is usually present for about 2 to 4 days, and its symptoms are milder, so it is possible to work and continue your routine as normal. Another difference between the flu and a cold is that the flu typically causes a high fever, whereas a cold usually does not cause a fever, or the person may just have a low-grade fever.
Both the flu and a cold have symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, and cough, but with the flu, these symptoms are stronger and appear more intensely and seriously. That is why care should be greater with the flu, as it poses even higher risks, such as pneumonia, which, if not properly cared for, can worsen and become fatal. With a cold, the main complications are ear infections, sinusitis, or, if it progresses, bronchitis.
The recommended treatment for flu is complete rest, drink plenty of fluids, and rest as much as possible. Medications are only indicated to relieve the symptoms, since there is no medicine that can eliminate the disease completely, so paracetamol is recommended for pain and fever control. For colds, a proper diet, vitamin C, symptom-relief medications, and patience, because the symptoms will subside quickly, usually within a few days.
Pregnancy and Colds During Pregnancy – What to Do?
Everyone knows that during pregnancy you need to triple your care and avoid taking any medication, since some substances can harm the fetal development of the baby. And when you get sick, it is truly upsetting as there are very few medications that are allowed for pregnant women to relieve symptoms and fight illnesses. The same applies for the flu and colds: when we are sick, it’s common to go to the pharmacy and take various medicines that claim to work miracles against bothersome symptoms, but this cannot happen during pregnancy. Therefore, the only treatment during this period for flu and colds is to take paracetamol-based medications to control symptoms and vitamin C, which can be consumed in juices, fruits, and foods in general.
A woman’s immune system becomes more sensitive during pregnancy because it is working to avoid rejecting the fetus as an invader. That’s why it is so common to see pregnant women suffering from the flu and colds, as well as being more prone to other infections. During pregnancy, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is recommended to keep the body strong throughout this period. If the obstetrician finds it important, they may recommend vitamin supplements to maintain healthy vitamin levels in the daily diet.
The public health system provides, free of charge at all health centers, the vaccine that prevents H1N1 flu for risk groups, which include pregnant women. The obstetrician will recommend going to the nearest health center with your vaccination card to receive the necessary preventive doses.
See also: How to Boost Children’s Immunity
Photo: Photos GOVBA, Unilever
