Cold And Flu Symptoms

Cold And Flu Symptoms

With seasonal allergies come the illnesses such as cold and flu. While normal cold has mild symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, coughing and sore throat which last only for a couple of days. Flu may last for many days and are more severe than the colds symptoms.

Cold And Flu Symptoms Defined

Cold and flu symptoms slightly differ as one is more severe than the other. Cold symptoms mainly involve headache, sore throat, nasal congestion and fever. Both cold and flu symptoms surface during seasonal change and may aggravate due to dust, smoke or pollens in the air.

Symptoms Of Cold And Flu

While cold symptoms like sneezing, coughing, headache and fever may last just for few days flu symptoms may take weeks to recover and may require prolonged medications and rest whereas cold symptoms may not require any medications and they get cured within a few days.

Diagnosing Cold And Flu Symptoms

Cold symptoms are diagnosed by runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat and fever. Flu symptoms also have common cold symptoms along with body aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Both cold and flu viruses enter the body and spread over the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, eyes and throat area.

Causes Of Cold And Flu

There are various causes of cold and flu like dust or smoke, pollen allergies,bacterial infections, sinusitis or contagious reasons.

Risk Factors Of Cold And Flu

Cold and flu are both contagious diseases so it should be controlled by proper hygiene, like washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze can help reduce the spead of bacteria and infection. The biggest risk is for small children and elderly who at risk for the flu to progress into life threatening illnesses like pneumonia or tuberculosis.

Treatment For Cold And Flu

Cold and flu could be treated and needs immediate attention by switching to proper medications and rest. For cold one can try certain home remedies like hot vapors, taking ginger tea or drinking a concoction of herbs or else switch to over the counter drugs or prescription medicines. Ask your doctor what is best for you.

Medications For Cold And Flu

Medications for flu include antibiotics, nasal decongestants in forms of sprays or syrups. They also include some fever reducer or pain reliever medicines which work fast and gets one going. But for Flu , it is suggested to get regular flu vaccine every season.

Recovery From Cold And Flu

Recovery from cold and flu can be fast and easy with proper care, rest and added precautions.

Prevention Of Cold And Flu

Cold and flu can be prevented by washing hands, keeping the house dust and smoke free, using anti bacterial fresheners and taking regular flu vaccines to stay away from the illnesses.