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The Difference Between a Cold and the Flu

The flu and the common cold are caused by different viruses, although they are both respiratory illnesses. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two because both a cold and the flu have similar flu-like symptoms.?Although, in general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and in the flu, fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are generally more intense with the flu.?People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. With a cold, serious health problem such as pneumonia, bacterial infections and hospitalization do not occur.

It can be very difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu, without a doctor's expertise, due to the fact that both cause many of the same symptoms.?Special tests that can be taken at a doctor's office can be taken to be sure if one has either.?If a person has the flu, there is a special test that can be carried out within the first few days of the flu to tell if the flu is the cause of the person's illness.

The flu is generally more severe than a cold.?People with a cold are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose, and do not usually result in serious health problems. The symptoms of a cold can result in the following:

Runny or stuffy nose (often with green- or yellow-colored discharge)

Sore throat

Cough

Sneezing

Fever up to 102 degrees

Headache

Fatigue

Muscle aches

Symptoms of the flu can result in:

Stuffy nose

Chills and sweats

Muscle aches, especially in your back, arms and legs

Nausea

Fatigue

Cough

Headache

Loss of appetite

Fever over 102 degrees

A cold and the flu are both caused by viruses. There are not many viruses that cause the flu, although, there are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold.?Therefore, there is a shot that can prevent the flu, but there is not one that can prevent a cold.

There is no cure for the common cold, but there are things that a person can do in order to ease the symptoms.?A person will have to wait until the body can naturally fight off the virus on its own.

The same is true for the flu, although, it is recommended that you treat the symptoms of the flu until you are feeling better.?An anti-viral medication can be prescribed from your doctor, in severe cases, in order to shorten the length of time you are sick with the flu.?These anti-viral medications can come in the form of a pill, syrup or an inhaler.?Inhalers should be avoided in people who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Washing your hands frequently can help to avoid catching a cold or the flu.?Other ways of boosting your immune system include eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Alternative health supplements are also a great way to boost a person's immune system.?We offer numerous products that can help with a cold and the flu.?Check out the cold and flu section on our web-site.

Steven Johnson is interested in maintaining a vital and healthy lifestyle. For more information on various health products and other life-enhancing nutrients please visit his website Alternative Health Supplements


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