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Good weather not just lifts the mood but also increases the possibility of you being under the weather. As we welcome monsoon showers, we must not forget that it brings the onset of cold and flu. The viruses infect the nose and throat, referred to as the upper respiratory tract and can be highly contagious and usually harmless except for causing minor symptoms.
While different viruses cause the common cold, only the influenza viruses cause flu. Flu symptoms are similar to common cold symptoms and are generally tough to differentiate. The flu symptoms are more intense and may cause serious problems, unlike the common cold. Visit Manipal Hospitals today if seeking treatment for common cold or flu in Kharadi, Pune. Our experienced ENT specialists and paediatricians can address all your concerns related to symptoms and treatment.
Causes of Common Cold and Flu
A virus may enter the body through the eyes, nose or mouth primarily via droplets that float in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes and talks. A common cold or flu is also spread by physical contact with an infected person or touching a surface that an infected person might have touched. Visit Manipal for the Treatment for cold and flu.
Symptoms of Common Cold and Flu
The symptoms of common cold and flu are similar. Some symptoms are:
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Fever
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Chills
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Cough
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Running nose
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Sore throat
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Stuffy nose
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Tiredness
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Body aches
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Headache
Difference between Cold and Flu
It might not be possible to differentiate between the common cold and flu without special tests. However, some everyday observations are:
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The onset of symptoms is gradual in the common cold and abrupt in flu.
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Common cold rarely results in a fever, whereas flu usually does.
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A common cold might have a slight ache, whereas aches typically accompany the flu.
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Facing chills is rare in the common cold but common in the flu.
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Sneezing is a common symptom of the common cold but rare in the flu.
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The common cold often causes a stuffy nose and sore throat, which is occasional in the flu.
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A headache rarely happens with the common cold, while it is common in the case of flu.
Impact of Cold and Flu
Most adults experience the common cold twice or thrice a year, while frequent infections happen to infants. Usually, people take around a week to recover from a common cold without medical attention. However, some instances of flu and even common cold may cause severe symptoms that need immediate medical supervision by a qualified doctor. Visit today and consult with our Internal Medicine Expert in Kharadi.
Specific segments that are more vulnerable to cold and flu are:
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People older than 65 years
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People with existing illnesses like asthma, diabetes, heart condition, or AIDS
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People on medicines that impact the immune system
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People who are around infants
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People who smoke or are around smokers
Avoiding Common Cold and Flu
Taking certain precautions can help you prevent severe symptoms of common cold and flu.
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Take flu vaccines
Ensure you have taken the recommended flu vaccines. While vaccines might not stop from getting a common cold, it does guard against the flu and keeps the symptoms mild. Check with your doctor for vaccine eligibility and annual flu shots.
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Keep a safe distance
Common cold and flu are contagious, and the droplets can travel up to six feet when an infected person sneezes, coughs and talks. Keep a safe distance from people with symptoms like runny or stuffy nose, body ache and fever.
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Use a humidifier
The flu germs hang longer in dry air. Running a humidifier at home or workplace causes the droplets to fall on the ground, reducing their chances of infecting others.
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Avoid touch
Viruses and germs can survive on most surfaces once an infected person passes them on by touching that surface. Avoid touching commonly used exteriors.
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Wash hands
Wash hands adequately with soap and water for more than 14 seconds, frequently or upon any exposure before using your hands to reach the eyes, nose or mouth.
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Improved lifestyle
Studies have shown that a healthy diet accompanied by regular exercise and adequate sleep boosts the body's immunity to fight against the common cold and flu.
When to See a Doctor?
A common cold might not need medical attention. However, adults might need to consult a doctor if they have:
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Persistent symptoms that do not subside with time
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Fever of more than 101 degrees for three days
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Extreme soreness of the throat
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Persistent headache
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Inability to breathe properly
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Wheezing
Similarly, a child needs to see a doctor under any of the following conditions:
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Fever more than 100 degrees for more than a few days.
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Extreme complaint of pain or cough
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Difficulty in breathing
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Feeling of drowsiness
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Shortage of hunger
Best Hospital for the Treatment of Common Cold and Flu in Pune
Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune, a state-of-the-art multispecialty facility with India's leading doctors who help patients to recover and understand disease prevention and the means to live a healthy lifestyle. We invite you to listen to our podcast: White Coat World to know more about lifestyle changes to live a healthier life and to find out what’s trending in the world of healthcare. If you are experiencing severe common cold and flu symptoms, book an appointment today with our healthcare specialists at Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune.
Department of Internal Medicine
Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune
