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Do you have fever, chills, a stuffy or runny nose, body aches, headache? Which of these are symptoms of a cold and which are symptoms of the flu? Many people do not know the difference between the two, when in fact, they are two different illnesses.
Actually the symptoms of a cold and the flu are similar. The symptoms of both include:
-headache
-aches and pain
-fever
-sore throat
-stuffy or runny nose
-cough
-chills
-fatigue
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It is spread by direct contact with an infected person and by droplets from their cough and sneezing. The main difference between the flu and a cold is that the flu is much worse. With a cold you may go to work but with the flu you may not be able to get out of bed. Also, with the flu there may be some nausea and vomiting. There is no cure for the flu. It must run its course. The flu is a caused by a virus so antibiotics are not effective against it. But sometimes the flu can lead to secondary infections, such as a sinus infection, bronchitis or pneumonia, which do need antibiotics because these are bacterial infections. Two last words on the flu, do not give children aspirin or aspirin products if they are suspected of having the flu, this can lead to Reyes syndrome, which is rare but very serious complication. Also, if there is severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and your eyes being sensitive to light, go to the emergency because these are symptoms of meningitis. Amantadine is a prescription that is supposed to lessen the symptoms of the flu. There is also an annual vaccine for the flu.
A cold is caused by several different viruses as well. The cold virus infects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Most colds occur in the fall and winter. There is also no cure for the common cold. It usually lasts about a week, and must run it course as well. Colds are also caused by direct contact or by breathing in the infected droplets from a cough or sneeze. Someone with a lower immune system will catch a cold more easily. A cold can also have secondary infections develop, such as, bronchitis, ear infections, sinus infections or pneumonia. See you doctor for these because these secondary infections are bacterial and require antibiotic treatment. Get plenty of rest and lots of clear liquids. Old fashioned home remedies, such as chicken soup and orange juice are helpful for relieving symptoms, as well as over the counter cold medicines and pain relievers.
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