Distinguishing between cold and flu for effective treatment

(Baonghean.vn) - Colds and flu have similar symptoms, which are a series of manifestations such as cough, fever, stuffy nose or aches, etc. However, the cause of the disease is different, the level of danger and treatment are therefore also different.

Based on the most basic external symptoms we can determine whether it is a cold or the flu.

Symptoms of a cold

Sore throat is a typical sign of a cold. Illustration photo.

The first sign of the common cold is a sore throat. This symptom is often accompanied by pharyngitis.After 1-2 days, they may disappear followed by other symptoms, such as: runny nose, stuffy nose, and a lot of clear nasal discharge.

If the cold is severe, the nasal discharge may turn yellow or green, and the nasal discharge may be thick if infected.

Children may also experience a mild fever.

Body feels restless and uncomfortable but can still perform daily tasks normally.

Complications when you have a cold can be: stuffy nose and otitis media,...

Colds usually only last about a week, and they can be spread to other people.

Flu symptoms

People with flu often have high fever. Illustration photo.

If for colds, fever is a secondary sign to recognize the disease, then for flu it is the main characteristic of the disease.

People with the flu often have a high fever of 38-39 degrees Celsius, accompanied by general fatigue, body aches, and a runny nose. Symptoms are often intense and sudden, increasing rapidly, while colds usually progress slowly and are easily cured with proper care.

Flu is more contagious than colds, so you need to take steps to prevent spreading it to others.

There is no specific treatment for the flu caused by a virus, but medications are often prescribed to treat symptoms.

The common cold will usually go away on its own after about 5-7 days, however if the disease gets worse and is accompanied by other symptoms such as: persistent fever, pain when swallowing, headache and nasal congestion that does not go away, difficulty breathing, nausea, etc., you need to see a doctor immediately, because sometimes these can be more dangerous strains of flu.

How to prevent colds and flu on cold days

Hand washing:The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer can be used instead.

Don't touch your face:Germs are invisible to the naked eye, so when you go out and come home, you don't know when you've come into contact with germs. To stay healthy, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes until you've thoroughly washed your hands.

Vitamin D supplement:Vitamin D plays a huge role in helping the body fight off illness. Winter is approaching, and if you can't get enough sunlight, choose foods rich in vitamin D, including egg yolks, fish, cereals, orange juice, milk and yogurt.

Honey will soothe coughs and may help prevent illness. Illustration photo.

Soothe your throat with honey:If you feel a cough or scratchy throat, try a tablespoon of honey. Honey will soothe your cough and may help prevent illness.

Drink enough water:Drinking plenty of water is important, especially during cold and flu season. Water helps flush toxins from your body and keeps your cells full of important nutrients.

Exercise regularly:Exercise makes the body sweat, increases blood flow and oxygen in the blood and helps increase the body's ability to avoid disease.

Stress reduction:Stress, especially chronic stress, can wreak havoc on our immune systems. If you have trouble reducing stress, you may be able to cope more effectively with yoga or walking./.

Pear Flower

(Synthetic)