cold
May 8, 2024

Flu or cold? what is the difference?

Flu, flu or cold? The symptoms are similar, but on closer inspection, the different diseases can be differentiated. We explain the differences and clarify when the medicine cabinet à la chicken soup and acetylsalicylic acid is no longer sufficient to alleviate the symptoms and in which cases a flu vaccine is advisable.

Flu or cold?

The terms flu and cold are often, but falsely, used synonymously, because both diseases are expressed in quite similar complaints. Add to that the flu infection? Another name for cold ?, which makes for even more confusion. However, there are some distinguishing features that can be applied to the question "Flu or cold?" to be able to help.

cold

Trigger: A common cold can be triggered by up to 200 different viruses, such as rhinoviruses.
Onset: A flu-like infection is rather insidious, possibly over several days.
Body temperature / fever: The body temperature increases with a cold up to a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius.
Sniff: The nose runs or is blocked, it is red and swollen. The mucous membranes are strained by frequent sneezing. In some cases, the symptoms of cold from a flu infection are also associated with inflammation of the sinuses.
To cough: Coughing usually occurs as a dry, irritating cough at the beginning and end of a cold. In the meantime, coughing is possible. What helps against it, you will learn here: strong cough.
Sore throat: Scratchy pains in the throat are often the first messenger of a cold. What helps against, you will learn here: home remedies for sore throat.
Headache and body aches: Slight head and body aches occur in the vast majority of sufferers of a cold.
General condition: Cold-blooded people are tired, exhausted and feel cut off.
Disease: You usually have overcome a common cold after seven, but at the latest after nine days.

flu

Trigger: Flu is triggered by the influenza virus, to German influenza viruses.
Onset: The symptoms of influenza occur quite abruptly. While you felt good in one moment, you are already feverish a few hours later.
Body temperature / fever: The fever during a flu is not to be underestimated. It comes on suddenly and often reaches body temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius, accompanied by chills and sweats.
Sniff: A typical cold, as we know it from a cold, is rare or less pronounced in influenza.
To cough: Flu is accompanied by dry and painful coughing. Mucous membranes and sinuses are irritated.
Sore throat: Also, from sore throat and heavy dysphagia, the average flu patient is not spared.
Headache and body aches: Almost all people with influenza suffer from severe migraine-like headaches and muscle and limb pain.
General condition: Anyone who suffers from a flu only wants to go to bed. Paralyzing fatigue, severe fatigue and a nagging sense of malady are classic symptoms.
Disease: Those who have caught the flu need patience. After about seven to 14 days, you should be on your feet again, but it can even take several weeks to complete recovery.

Influenza or cold: When is a doctor's visit advisable?

Cold patients usually endure their colds well with plenty of chicken soup, nasal spray and a decent supply of handkerchiefs. But that does not mean that you should take your cold lightly. The immune system is weakened and prone to further infections if not sufficiently protected. Doctors speak of a so-called superinfection.

In case of a true flu, a doctor's visit is recommended. The expert can remedy the distressing symptoms such as high fever and severe head and limb pain by prescribing analgesic and antipyretic drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or ibuprofen and paracetamol. The best tips are here: reduce fever.

Caution is advised especially in the elderly and chronically ill flu patients. Influenza can cause serious sequelae such as pneumonia or inflammation of the heart muscle.For these people at high risk, an annual flu shot is recommended in time for the flu epidemic.

Prevent flu and cold

So that you do not even get caught, here are some useful tips on how to prevent a flu or cold:

Regular hand washing
Avoid shaking hands during flu epidemic
Coughing and sneezing always in the elbow
Keep mucous membranes moist
Strengthening the immune system through a lot of exercise in the fresh air, changing showers and regular sauna sessions