Now, a sore throat is enough to cause fear that you are infected with the coronavirus. The obligation to protect your loved ones and prevent yourself from the infection may sometimes lead you to overthink the situation. The common cold can easily be misunderstood as the flu.
Understanding the difference between the cold and the flu can help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Cold Symptoms
A cold is the most common viral infection. The common cold affects the upper respiratory system, generally signified by a sore throat lasting about two to three days. This is followed by a runny nose, stuffiness, and sneezing. The symptoms of a cold may also include a low fever in children.
Flu Symptoms
Unlike the common cold, which mainly affects the nasal area, the flu can make you feel weak. The symptoms of flu are more severe and include a sore throat, chills, muscle soreness, high fever, dry cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. Influenza could lead to further health complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis, depending on the immunity of the patient.
Can a Cold Turn Into the Flu?
No, your cold cannot turn into the flu, because both are caused by different viruses. A cold can be caused by several viruses, including rhinovirus and adenovirus. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
Can Cold Symptoms Be Something Else?
Cold symptoms usually don’t last more than a week. If the mucus remains the same or gets worse after a week, it might be a bacterial infection, and you need to consult your doctor.
What’s the Difference?
A patient’s temperature can help to determine whether it is the flu or the common cold. High temperature with shortness of breath and muscle pain can be the flu and requires your doctor’s consultation.
These are the key differences between the common cold and flu symptoms. Getting the right health insurance is important to protect your health during this pandemic. Contact our experts at VGW Walker Insurance in Texas for assistance with all your insurance needs and questions.
