Probably the most frequent viral infections are those of the lungs and airways. Among these are the Caste or Common Catarro and also the influenza or influenza, What manera are different?
Geriatrica Flavio Mejía explains that although they are quite similar, in the disease produced by influenza or flu The symptoms become much more intense. There is a fever that occurs in steep and quite intense paintings.
While in Common colds There is not always fever. Nasal secretion is characteristic of the common cold. This would be the main points to differentiate them, but it is not always so simple, some paintings could present some similar symptoms at different intensity. (See below the graph with the differences).
Mejía also indicates that in the influence complications could occur and that episodes of severe pneumonies that can end in hospital interventions are developed. “In both diseases it is vital to have the necessary care, take the medications in time and visit a doctor in case the symptoms persist or get worse,” says the doctor.
What symptoms the cold has
He MSD manual He explains that the common cold or cold is a virca infection of the nose lining, the sinuses the throat and the large airways.
There are many viruses causing colds. Symptoms of the cold or common cold are started after one to three days of produced contact. In general, the first symptoms are discomfort in the nose or throat.
Next, the patient begins to sneeze, has a congested nose and feels lightly ill. There is usually no fever, but sometimes the body temperature rises a bit to the beginning of the symptoms. The secretions of the nose can be very annoying during the first days.
Many people also have cough. These symptoms usually disappear in 4 to 10 days, despite the fact that cough, with or without expectoration they usually persist for another week.
Complications can prolong symptomatology. People with persistent bronchitis or asthma may have more difficulty breathing during a resfirado or after it.
Usually the colds can be diagnosed according to the symptoms. However, bacterial conditions, allergies and disorders can cause similar symptoms.
A congested person should avoid cold and save rest, intending to avoid infection to others. This usually does rather in the early stages of infection. Those who have more intense fever or symptoms should remain isolated.
Drinking liquid helps maintain soft secretions so that they are easy to expel.
Influenza or influenza symptoms
The flu is different from the common cold or cold. The symptoms begin around the 48 hours that follow the infection and can manifest themselves suddenly.
The chills or the cold sensations can be the first signs of flu. The fever is frequent during the first days and can rise up to 38.5 or 39.5 degrees Celsius.
Many patients feel bad to get out of bed; They feel pain in everything and body, although more pronounced on the back and legs.
Headache is usually intense. At first, respiratory symptoms can be relatively mild.
The severity of the same and the presence of high fever distinguish it from a common cold.
A blood sample can be done that allows identifying an Evenqe flu virus infection is not always necessary.
Most people feel good again after 7 to 10 days, although some could present serious complications.
The best treatments for influenza consists in rest, maintain hydration and drink abundant liquid.
Ways to reinforce the body and improve defenses
- Avoid passive smoking. This is responsible for many health problems, even colds.
- Do not use antibiotics, if not necessary.
- Breast milk protects against respiratory tract infections in children.
- Take many liquids to help the immune system work properly.
- Sleep well, to strengthen defenses.
- Feed balancedly.
- Doctors also recommend that patients receive the influenza vaccine and, to avoid complications, pneumococcal vaccine.