IS MINE a Cold or Influenza

About Colds and Flu – Part 1 of 4

Some Background:

Since the 1990s, countries worldwide have been called on to prepare for a new influenza pandemic. In 1999, the WHO published an influenza pandemic plan and later modified it for our modern, globalized society and because of new developments occurring with the avian influenza virus. The development of the avian influenza virus subtype H5N1, its global spread in populations of wild birds, its impact on poultry populations and its sporadic transmission to humans led the WHO to declare the start of Phase 3, the first phase in the pandemic alert period, in 2005. In 2009 the WHO officially declared Phase 6, a global Pandemic related to Swine Flu. That is why you need to know about influenza.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.

How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?

InFLUenza symptoms » This is just a simple check list; please consult your doctor or health specialist to be sure. In general, a flu can be accompanied with the following:

• fever
• chills/sweats
• cough
• muscle and joint pain
• headache
• fatigue and weakness
• sore throat

Children under 5 may experience the above plus:

• vomiting
• diarrhoea (US spelling: diarrhea)
• and nasal inflammation

Elderly people may also experience:

• fever higher than 99°F
• fatigue and weakness
• confusion
• and nasal obstruction

What is the difference between a bacteria and a virus?

Viruses are capsules of genetic material (DNA or RNA). They’re much smaller than bacteria. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not “living” organisms. So they require living hosts — such as people, plants or animals — to multiply. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that reproduce by dividing. Most bacteria can grow on nonliving surfaces. Not all bacteria are harmful, and some are even beneficial. But when infectious bacteria enter your body, they can make you sick. The distinction between viruses and bacteria is important because drugs that are effective against one type of infection won’t work against the other type.

Summary: Colds will usually not be as severe as a flu – but because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them. Both are caused by a virus, not bacteria.

Related posts:

1. What is a Cold? as opposed to the Flu
2. What is Influenza? – differences between colds and flu