Flu Vs Cold
Flu vs. Cold: What’s The Difference?
On the common questions on flu vs. cold, most people believe that the flu is simply a really bad cold. This makes some sense, maybe, to those who have been lucky enough to escape the type A and B strains of flu that can be fatal in some cases. The common cold is much easier to manage and deal with, and rarely causing loss of work or leisure time. We deal with it by popping a couple decongestants and getting a little bit more sleep, and sometimes we are forced to take pain medication for a sinus or congestion headache. It’s a bother, and it isn’t fun, but when pitting flu vs. cold, the cold can’t hold a candle to the unforgiving and ultra powerful overtaking of the influenza virus. We can start by comparing a few of the similarities, though there are actually very few of them.
When determining flu vs. cold, you will want to remember that the cold normally begins with a tickle at the back of the throat or with the sniffles, and sometimes with the combination of both. A sore throat will often ensue shortly thereafter, followed by a very wet, hacking cough. The common cold can cause severe sinus pressure and difficulty breathing, but id you are experiencing any fever or chest pain you are probably experiencing an illness other than the common cold. Fever is not associated with cold either, so determining flu vs. cold in that realm is quite easy. Also, headaches aside from sinus pressure or those caused by incessant coughing are not associated with the typical cold. Sleepiness can denote this milder of the viral respiratory illnesses, but not at all as prominently as with the flu.
When the flu strikes, and I mean strikes, the most popular description of the onset has something to do with being hit by a truck. The flu vs. cold dilemma can usually be put to rest at this starting point, as the flu sufferers head begins to throb. An overwhelming feeling of chills will usually follow closely, and then the body begins to ache from top to bottom, and everywhere in between. Shortly beyond this point, the victim of the horrible flu will notice a spike in their body temperature and pain in the chest. A dry and unproductive cough will begin to surface, and this will often persist to the point of madness. And folks, we have only covered the first four hours.
Another factor in the flu vs. cold argument is the activity level that one can expect to carry on while ill. While the cold sufferer may feel out of it and have difficulty concentrating, the flu recipient is basically bed ridden and has no choice in the matter.