The flu and colds have several things in common. Both are respiratory illnesses caused by a virus. Several viruses can cause symptoms similar to colds when the flu is by definition causéee by the influenza virus. Colds and flu often start with a sore throat (or what is called angina in France). Then, early in the few days we noticed a runny nose and congestion. Subsequently, the infected person has cough.
So if the symptoms of flu and colds are so alike, how to differentiate?
Although these two diseases are manifested by respiratory symptoms they differ on several points. The general symptoms such as fever and fatigue, are much more important during a flu. While the person who has a cold usually continues to work, the person with influenza is much more often absent from work for a few days, mainly because of the intensity of fatigue.
Moreover fever is usually absent or very slight in a cold, so it can be much more variable during the flu, generally individuals with influenza have a higher fever. by cons, in the very sick, such as the elderly, fever may be absent.
Other symptoms such as headache and abdominal pain are virtually absent during cold but often present in cases of influenza. Colds rarely sends its host hospital while it is relatively common with the flu. Among the complications of influenza, it should be noted as bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchopneumonia and exacerbation of asthma.
These complications of influenza are most often encountered in the elderly, young children and people already struggling with health problems such as:
* Chronic heart disease
* Chronic lung disease (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, etc.)
* Cancer or a receiving chemotherapy
* Chronic renal insufficiency
* Immunosuppressive therapy
* Diabetes
* Etc.
Mortality is not uncommon with the flu, so it is virtually non-existent with the cold. The flu and colds are distinguished as the means of prevention which we can protect and treatments. There is no vaccine for colds when there are several forms of vaccine against influenza. Some antivirals such as Tamiflu and Relenza, can be used to treat the flu and even prevent it in some special situations such as during outbreaks in residential care.
The flu and colds can be prevented by simple means such as by washing hands regularly, covering her mouth with a tissue or the elbow when sneezing or coughing. Wherever possible we must avoid contact with infectious people. A person with influenza is contagious for 24 hours to 5 days after onset of symptoms. When a person is in contact with the virus, the period before the onset of symptoms, or incubation varies from 2 to 3 days.