The Future Of Health Autumn and spring are always associated with respiratory diseases, in particular, flu. For many people, the flu is an identical concept to a cold. However, it is a much more dangerous illness.
In the last couple of years, issues related to respiratory diseases have gained a new wave of relevance. For this reason, we decided to talk about how the flu differs from colds, what are the distinctive symptoms of the flu and how to treat the flu most effectively.
Cold VS Flu
The common cold is a complex name for many respiratory diseases. A cold can be caused by simple hypothermia, as well as a viral or bacterial infection. However, the flu is a purely viral disease, the treatment of which involves the use of antiviral drugs. Colds and flu are very similar in symptoms but very different in consequences.
If a cold can quickly pass without a trace, then complications after the flu can include pneumonia, sepsis, heart failure, sinusitis, and ear infections. That is why the flu should never be carried on your feet. Complex treatment and rest are necessary to avoid serious complications.
Distinctive Flu Symptoms
The flu has special symptoms, and here is a list of them:
- Severe fever and an instant rise in temperature. In the case of coronavirus and colds, the elevated temperature is at around 37 – 37.5 degrees, while with the flu, the thermometer shows numbers in the range from 38 to 40 degrees.
- Cough with sputum discharge can haunt the patient for two weeks, even after recovery.
- Total muscle pain in almost the entire body, starting from the neck and ending with the legs.
- Severe headache, especially in the first two days, which prevents sleep.
- Instant development of the disease. All of the above symptoms can occur simultaneously on the first day of infection without long incubation periods.
In addition, fatigue, apathy, and lack of appetite may be observed with the flu; however, these symptoms are also characteristic of other respiratory diseases.
Flu Treatment Strategies
Flu can be treated with medication or folk remedies. However, there is a universal list of indications that the patient should follow:
- Drink as much liquid as possible (water, juice, or broth).
- Rest and give up any loads, at least for a couple of days.
- If the temperature does not drop, you can take antipyretics; however, it is better to give the body time to fight on its own.
- Drink expectorants to clear your sinuses and airways.
- Drink tea with lemon and honey.
- Get more sleep and recover.
The main thing to remember is that the flu is an extremely contagious disease, so as a preventive measure, do a seasonal flu vaccination. If you do get sick, then stay at home for treatment or consult a doctor if necessary.