UK health authority answers: Is it a cold or flu? What's the difference?

As cold weather sets in, epidemic news is emerging globally. Sudden weather changes can make our bodies more vulnerable to illnesses.

While it may seem like an easy question, many of us don't truly know the difference between a cold and the flu.

What are the fundamental differences between a cold and the flu?

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) has published a comprehensive warning, which includes answers to this question for the public.

Cold symptoms: 

A vicious cold, described as "worse than any winter illness," has made winter conditions tougher globally.

Symptoms include:

• Runny nose: Starting with clear mucus and becoming thicker and greener
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Cough

Flu symptoms:

According to the NHS, flu symptoms are much more severe and tend to appear more quickly.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden fever of 38-40 degrees Celsius
• Muscle aches and pains
• Sweating
• Feeling tired and needing to lie down
• Dry cough originating from the chest

Unlike the common cold, the flu can lead to more serious complications in some cases.

Differences between the flu and the common cold:

The NHS states that a cold is milder than the flu and usually does not lead to serious health problems like pneumonia or bacterial infections.

If you have a cold, you may experience a mild fever, earache, fatigue, and headache. Symptoms tend to appear within a day or two and gradually resolve themselves over a few days, though they can sometimes last up to two weeks.

The most contagious periods are the early stages when your throat hurts, and your nose won't stop running.

Preventive measures: 

Dr. Rob Gerlis, Chair of the NHS Clinical Commission Group, lists preventive measures against both illnesses:

"Maintain a medicine cabinet with sufficient cold and flu medications. Resting and staying hydrated will help you recover within a few days."

Other preventive measures against flu and cold include:

Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of viruses. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be used.

Vaccination: The flu vaccine is an effective way to protect against the flu virus. Annual vaccination before the flu season is recommended.

Healthy Eating and Sufficient Water Intake: A balanced diet is important to strengthen the immune system. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain bodily functions.

Sleep Routine: Adequate and quality sleep strengthens the immune system and provides protection against illnesses.

Avoiding Crowded Places: Especially during peak flu and cold seasons, avoiding crowded places can reduce the risk of illness.

Not Sharing Personal Items: Sharing items like glasses and plates can facilitate the spread of viruses.

Limiting Contact with Sick People: It's important to avoid close contact with people showing flu or cold symptoms.

Avoiding Stress: Stress can weaken the immune system, so stress management can be effective in preventing illnesses.

Avoiding Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the respiratory tract and weaken the immune system.

Being in Clean and Well-Ventilated Environments: Regularly ventilating homes and workplaces can reduce the risk of virus spread.

WARNING

These measures will not only protect against flu and colds but also support overall health. However, it's best to consult a healthcare professional in case of suspicious symptoms or if symptoms worsen.

If you have these symptoms, never neglect to consult a doctor and get examined...