The difference between influenza and the common cold

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Influenza, or the flu, is an epidemic caused by the influenza virus, often characterized by severe systemic symptoms such as chills, high fever, and body aches. However, the symptoms related to the nasal pharynx are relatively mild, such as light sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. The common cold, often referred to as a cold or rhinitis, is also caused by viral infection and can be caused by various viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus. The general systemic symptoms of the common cold are relatively mild, such as fever, headache, and chills. Symptoms related to the ears, nose, and throat are more pronounced, including distinct sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and throat discomfort.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Which one causes body aches, bacterial cold or viral cold?

Bacterial colds and viral colds are named after the different microorganisms that cause the symptoms of colds. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx. Usually, when the body's resistance decreases or one is overly fatigued, it is very easy to be infected by external pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. However, when bacteria infect the human body, most of the symptoms are mainly concentrated in the nasopharyngeal area and do not spread throughout the body. On the other hand, viral colds are different. After infecting the human body, in addition to causing respiratory symptoms, viral colds also cause general discomfort throughout the body, such as headaches, limb weakness, muscle soreness, joint pain, and can even lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Thus, viral colds produce more severe whole-body symptoms.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What to eat during a cold in the lactation period?

If you have symptoms of a cold during the breastfeeding period, it is important to distinguish between different types. Colds can be categorized into types such as wind-heat cold and wind-cold cold. For wind-heat colds, symptoms usually include sore throat, pain, or dry and itchy throat. In such cases, it is advisable to take some medicine that clears heat and detoxifies, or medicine that provides cooling relief from exterior symptoms. You can also drink some herbal teas to alleviate the symptoms. When taking medicine, it is crucial to do so under the guidance of a doctor and to use medicine that specifically addresses your symptoms. This is especially important during the breastfeeding period, as indiscriminate use of medicine could potentially impact the baby's growth and development. For wind-cold colds, it is suggested to take some heat-clearing granules to treat and alleviate symptoms. It's also important to keep warm, avoid exposure to cold and drafts, and you might drink some brown sugar ginger tea to eliminate inner cold and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, soaking your feet in warm water at night can promote blood circulation and relieve fatigue from the day.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can a cold cause dizziness?

Colds can cause symptoms such as dizziness, as well as possible runny nose, sneezing, dryness in the throat, foreign body sensation, sore and weak limbs, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are common clinical manifestations caused by a cold. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much if dizziness occurs during a cold. Drinking plenty of water, resting, and observing can generally help. Choosing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medication can also alleviate the symptoms of dizziness. Eating foods rich in vitamin C, avoiding staying up late, and consuming a light, easy-to-digest diet can aid in the recovery from a cold.

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Written by Long Guan Han
Pulmonology
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What should I do if my cold doesn't get better?

The common cold generally follows a process. Eighty percent of common colds start as viral colds, characterized by nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and other catarrhal symptoms. Generally, after three to five days, these catarrhal symptoms gradually disappear, as the virus is self-limiting. If the symptoms do not improve after three to five days and are accompanied by coughing, purulent sputum, and fever, it may have progressed to a bacterial cold, which requires antibiotic treatment. When we commonly refer to a persistent cold, we mainly refer to a cough. Some people might experience a cold for more than ten days, or repeatedly suffer from a dry cough. At this time, it's not that their cold hasn't healed; rather, it's because the respiratory tract has been damaged and needs time to recover. Typically, this kind of irritating dry cough without sputum generally lasts for a while.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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How many days can a cold heal by itself?

The common cold is a frequently occurring disease in clinical practice, mainly divided into the common cold and influenza. These diseases are infectious and self-healing, and generally, recovery can occur naturally within three to seven days. The primary approach is to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, ensure sufficient quality sleep, and choose light, soft, and easy-to-digest foods in the diet. It is advisable to measure the body temperature twice a day and not to worry excessively. Mild cases do not require the use of antibiotics.