With the arrival of the monsoon season and students returning to school, cases of common cold and flu (influenza) are on the rise. However, it can be hard to distinguish between the two viral respiratory illnesses, with both causing similar, often overlapping symptoms.
Dr Agam Vora, Chest Physician, Advanced Multi Specialty Hospitals, Vile Parle (West). Assoc. Hon. & In-Charge, Department of Chest & TB, Dr R.N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital said, “
With seasonal changes and sudden shifts in the weather during the monsoon season, we witness a rise of various viral infections ranging from the flu to common cold. It is especially important to recognize the differences across conditions to effectively treat them and speed up the process of recovery. Further, to avoid these seasonal infections, understanding and adopting preventive measures are also important to keep people healthy and protected.”
Being able to quickly recognize whether one’s illness is a cold or the flu is key so individuals can seek the appropriate medical help they need. Thankfully, there are a few notable differences to keep in mind to distinguish the two.
Here are four key differences between a cold and the flu:
Understanding these differences is vital to guide needed care. At the same time, with the onset of this year’s flu season, it is especially important to remember that there are preventive measures that can be taken. Thus, recognizing the steps to avoid these conditions this season can also be helpful.
As per the WHO, vaccination is one of the key steps to prevent flu infections. This is recommended annually as immune protection from the flu shot can decline over time. Annual shots, in accordance with WHO recommendations, enhance protection against the evolving influenza virus, which changes its structure every year. Meanwhile, there is no vaccine against the common cold, but maintaining good hygiene is key to avoiding it.
Dr Jejoe Karankumar, Director, Medical Affairs at Abbott said, “
By educating the population on the need for a range of preventive measures against respiratory illnesses, including vaccination, we can empower people to protect themselves and others from such conditions. This can prevent unnecessary complications down the line, particularly for children, the elderly and individuals with underlying conditions.”
Beyond influenza vaccination, other common preventive measures for both the flu and the common cold include washing hands more often (for at least 20 seconds), limiting close contact with anyone having cold or flu symptoms, and avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Take care to try and avoid infection this season, but also know the warning signs so you can seek timely care appropriately.
Disclaimer:
This listicle is meant for general awareness only and is not meant to be a promotion of the product in any manner whatsoever. Dr Agam Vora is engaged by Abbott India Limited (“Abbott”) and views expressed are his independent views. This listicle should not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice. Abbott shall not be held liable in any manner whatsoever for any action based on the information provided in this listicle and does not hold itself liable for any consequences, legal or otherwise, arising out of information in this listicle. Please consult your doctor for more information.
References
1 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm
2 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm
3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32040449/
4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9440437/
5 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7172971/
Links which take you out of Abbott worldwide websites are not under the control of Abbott, and Abbott is not responsible for the contents of any such site or any further links from such site. Abbott is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement of the linked site by Abbott.
The website that you have requested also may not be optimized for your screen size.
FOLLOW ABBOTT