Causes
Various viruses cause the common cold, such as rhinoviruses, Coronaviruses, and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses (RSV). These viruses spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Influenza viruses, specifically influenza A and influenza B, cause the flu. They spread through respiratory droplets, as with colds.
Common cold symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, mild fever, and fatigue. These symptoms usually appear gradually and are usually milder than flu symptoms.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, body aches, headaches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. The flu can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, especially in vulnerable individuals.
Clinical symptoms are used to diagnose the common cold. Laboratory tests are usually not needed unless complications develop.
In addition to clinical symptoms, rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can confirm influenza viruses are present. A nasal or throat swab is often used to collect respiratory specimens for these tests.
A typical cold treatment involves resting, staying hydrated, taking over-the-counter cold medications (e.g., decongestants, pain relievers, antihistamines), and using saline nasal sprays or drops to relieve nasal congestion.
Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and baloxavir (Xofluza) can be used to treat the flu. Using these medications within 48 hours of becoming ill can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Symptoms can also be alleviated by rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Good hygiene and preventive measures are key to preventing colds and flu:
Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces in public places.
If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Stay away from sick individuals, and stay home if you are sick to prevent spreading the virus.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading.
Vaccinate against the flu annually to reduce the risk of getting the flu and its complications.
As a result, colds and flu are respiratory illnesses caused by viruses that are easily spread. Colds are usually mild and self-limiting, but the flu can have more severe symptoms. For preventing the spread of cold and flu viruses and maintaining overall health during the cold and flu season, it is essential to practice good hygiene, get vaccinated against the flu, and stay home when sick.
