A cold and the flu may share similar symptoms, but the flu is generally the more severe of the two illnesses. Both are caused by viruses. While there is no cure for either condition, certain treatment methods can minimise symptoms and speed recovery time.

Common cold symptoms

Cold symptoms are slow in developing and usually start with a sore throat, followed by nasal symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion, along with a cough by the fourth and fifth days. Fever is uncommon in adults, but children are more likely to have a fever with a cold.

Cold symptoms usually last for about a week. During the first three days of having cold symptoms, you are contagious and you can pass the cold virus to others.

Common flu symptoms

Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms and develop rapidly. Symptoms include sore throat, high fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion and cough. Swine flu, in particular, is also associated with vomiting and diarrhoea.

Most flu symptoms gradually improve over two to five days, but it is not uncommon to feel run down for a week or more. If left untreated, the flu can result in life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia or a bacterial infection.

Treatment methods for colds

When you feel symptoms of a cold develop, such as sniffling, sneezing or mild coughing, start consuming more liquids, particularly orange juice that is high in antioxidant-boosting vitamin C. Other standard treatment methods include bed rest and comforting foods, such as chicken broth or soup.

Many medications exist to treat cold symptoms, such as a decongestant for a blocked nose or nasal discharge and antihistamines for sneezing, itching or watery eyes. No antiviral or antibiotic medications are recommended for colds.

Talk to your chemist or phone the EAP if you want to know which medicines are safe for you, especially if you are pregnant, and for your children.

Treatment methods for the flu

Flu sufferers frequently experience more significant sinus congestion than their cold-suffering counterparts. One of the methods to fight congestion is using steam to clear the airways. While this may help relieve severe congestion symptoms, getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids will also help.

Antiviral medication works to prevent the further multiplication of the viruses and must be taken within 48 hours of the flu’s onset. This medication is also useful for those who have been exposed to someone with the flu in an attempt to prevent the flu’s onset.

Flu sufferers should take a fever reducer for the body aches that accompany the flu. Over-the-counter medications useful for colds, such as antihistamines and decongestants, may be helpful in treating the flu as well. Once again, consult your pharmacist or the EAP.

Preventative measure

Cold and flu viruses enter your body through the mucous membranes of your nose, eyes or mouth. The most important preventative measures for preventing colds and flu are repeated hand washing and the flu vaccination, the latter especially if you fall into a high risk category.

 

Sources

Cold remedies: What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403?pg=1
Flu in adults. What is the treatment for flu in adults? Retrieved from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/flu_in_adults/page6_em.htm
Freeman, D. 10 Home remedies for the flu. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/treating-flu-at-home#1
How to treat a cold. Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cold-common/Pages/Treatment.aspx

 

(Revised by M van Deventer)