The difference between influenza and the common cold

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on December 10, 2024
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Influenza, also known as the flu, mainly occurs when the human body is invaded by influenza viruses, resulting in symptoms primarily of coughing, fever, and sore throat. Besides these symptoms, influenza can also present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The body temperature of patients often exceeds 39°C or 40°C. On the other hand, the common cold is mostly caused by rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, EB viruses, or even infections from Haemophilus influenzae, leading to relatively localized lesions. Common symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, and it may not include fever. The prognosis of the common cold is generally better than that of influenza, and it is less likely to lead to severe complications.

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Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
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The difference between viral and bacterial colds

The main differences between viral and bacterial colds are: First, the pathogens are different. Viral colds are primarily caused by viruses, while bacterial colds are mainly caused by bacterial infections. Second, the characteristics of contagion differ. Viral colds generally have stronger contagiousness, such as influenza, which has distinct characteristics of outbreaks and often occurs seasonally in spring and winter, with a sudden onset. Bacterial colds are less contagious and typically occur sporadically. Third, the symptoms differ. Generally, viral colds mainly present symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and other upper respiratory catarrhal symptoms. Bacterial colds mainly present with fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, and other symptoms. Fourth, in terms of examinations, a typical hemogram for viral colds usually shows normal or low white blood cells, with an increase in lymphocytes, while bacterial colds often show an increase in white blood cells or neutrophils. Fifth, the treatment approaches differ. Treatment for viral colds primarily includes antiviral therapy, nutritional support, ventilation, and hydration. Bacterial colds are mainly treated with antibiotics and anti-infection therapies.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
54sec home-news-image

How to treat cold and cough with food therapy?

Colds and coughs can be treated through dietary therapy. For instance, you can stew pears with rock sugar or stew pears with Fritillaria and add some honey, both of which can help alleviate coughs. Additionally, if it's just a dry cough without phlegm, you can take an uncooked egg before going to bed at night, place it in a bowl, sprinkle a large spoonful of sugar on top without stirring, and steam it in a pot until cooked. Eating it hot, along with the soup and egg, can help relieve dry coughs. Also, it should be noted that using scallion whites and white radishes, boiled into a soup to drink like tea two to three times a day, can also be beneficial in alleviating coughs.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to alleviate whole body soreness from a cold

How to alleviate the body aches associated with a cold: Body aches are a typical symptom of influenza, resulting from infections by influenza viruses or parainfluenza viruses, and are characterized by notable prevalence trends. To alleviate these symptoms, clinically, antipyretic analgesic medications are generally chosen, such as taking aspirin or nimesulide. Additionally, it is advisable to drink more water, rest more, avoid excessive fatigue, and choose some antiviral medications. Treating these viral infections is considered a cause-specific treatment method. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can I use air conditioning if I have a cold?

When you have a cold, it is best not to use air conditioning. However, it is important to note that if the cold is caused by heatstroke, then it is okay to use air conditioning at this time, but you should ensure that the temperature is not set too low and avoid direct exposure to the airflow. If it is a cold caused by exposure to cold wind, it is best not to use air conditioning. Using a fan is acceptable, but avoid direct exposure to the airflow as well. Additionally, it is recommended to actively cooperate with treatment, abstain from smoking and drinking, and maintain a light diet, consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamins. Also, it is advised to exercise moderately to strengthen the body, pay attention to personal hygiene, and consume fresh fruits and vegetables to help promote a quicker recovery from the illness.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can babies take a bath when they have a cold?

Actually, when children have a cold, they might sweat. If they sweat, their clothes will get wet, and having a lot of sweat on their body can also be uncomfortable. If they are not cleaned properly, it can actually make the baby feel very uncomfortable. So, it's completely fine to bathe when having a cold, especially for babies who are feverish. After their body temperature rises, bathing can also help to bring the temperature down, which is actually an effective method of physical cooling. As long as the room temperature and water temperature are kept appropriate, it is okay to bathe.