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Colds and Flu:
IS MINE a Cold or Influenza - a public health service. (Part 1)
Knowing the difference between a cold
and the flu can help save your life. The diagram is the flu virus.
There are five pages in this section about a common cold, the influenza and vaccinations and anti-viral drugs.
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. 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.
Poll
Results: Our Quick Poll for
June asked, "Flu season is over until October so we don't have to fight
bird flu now..."
True : 25.0%
False : 75.0%
Some 1900 votes from various countries.
Next: » Part 2: What is a common Cold? - facts and tips.
Related Articles:
» Is mine a Cold or Influenza?
» Part 2: What is a common Cold? -
facts and tips.
» What is Influenza? - differences
between colds and flu.
» Flu Vaccines and Vaccinations -
preventative measures.
» Anti-viral drugs and
immunization facts and links.
(the Treating Pneumonia article is here »)
Video
Presentation: (Requires free Google video
software) (19 min)
Hear
it straight from California experts about
the threat of a global bird-flu
epidemic. Research scientists include Bette Hinton, M.D.,
M.P.H., public health officer and others address the gamut of common
concerns at an Avian Influenza Symposium. (Opens
in a new window on the Google Video site.)