Do I have a cold or flu?

• The terms cold and flu are often used interchangeably to describe many common illnesses. However, the common cold and the flu each have different symptoms with varying severities and should be identified correctly in order to find the right course of treatment.

  Our simple condition and symptom demonstrations may be used to help identify a common cold or flu.

  What causes cold and flu?

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  The Common cold

  The common cold is an infection caused by a virus. The initial symptoms are sore throat, headache, sneezing, runny nose and coughing. Towards the end of the illness a blocked nose and tiredness are also expected.

  The common cold occurs more frequently from April to October. Children have on average 6-10 colds per year and adults have 2-4.

  Cold Symptoms

  • Slow onset of symptoms
  • Fever (rarely)
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion
  • Mild cough
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Chills
  • Sneezing
   
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  The Flu

  The flu is an infection caused by a virus.

  The flu has an abrupt onset of symptoms. Headache, muscle aches, weakness and loss of appetite occur early on. A high fever peaks at 3-4 days before subsiding. A persistent cough and nasal congestion occur toward the end of the illness.

  Flu Symptoms

  • Abrupt onset of symptoms
  • High Fever (38-41c)
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion
  • Persistent cough
  • Headache
  • Body aches and pains
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite

• Understanding cold and flu symptoms

  Sore Throat

  A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the throat (pharynx). It is a symptom of many conditions, but most often is associated with the common cold or flu. A sore throat is usually one of the first signs of having caught a cold or flu.

  Cough

  The majority of people who are infected with the common cold or flu will develop a cough. A cough is normally a protective reflex that prevents the aspiration of food into the airway. When associated with a cold or flu it helps assist the expulsion of mucus from the lower respiratory tract.

  Nasal Congestion

  Nasal congestion is caused from the dilation of blood vessels and mucus build up in the nasal passages. Persons with nasal congestion will often describe a blocked feeling in the nose, will say they cannot breathe through their nose and that they have a dry feeling in their throat from having to breathe through their mouths.

  Fever

  A fever occurs when oral temperature rises (above 37.5C) to help fight the infecting cold or flu virus.

  Headache

  Headaches may occur when arteries and blood vessels in the brain dilate. This is a symptom of many conditions, and is often associated with the common cold or flu.

  Sneezing

  Sneezing is a reflex which rids foreign particles that may have lodged in the nose.

  Chilliness

  Chilliness is associated with fever and is a result of the body trying to regulate its temperature.

  Body Aches and Pains

  Aches and pains are a symptom of the body trying to rid infection

  Loss of Appetite

  A loss of appetite is symptom of the body trying to rid infection

  Weakness

  Weakness is a symptom of the body trying to rid infection

  Tiredness

  Tiredness is a symptom of the body trying to rid infection