You woke up in the morning. You are sneezing, coughing, have a slight fever and feel tired. Your muscles are weak, and you feel weak. Is your problem the flu or a cold? In these days of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially with the emergence of local cases, this possibility does not come to our mind.

Most of the time, the difference between flu and cold is unknown. The common cold is a milder upper respiratory tract illness than the flu. A cold may make you feel weak and weak for a few days, but the flu affects you more severely for a longer period of time. Flu may later cause serious complications such as pneumonia, which may require you to be observed in the hospital. Understanding the difference between these two diseases is very important in order to determine the precautions that need to be taken. In this article, we will also talk about the distinctive features of Covid-19.

What are the symptoms of cold?

A cold usually starts with a sore throat that goes away on its own in a few days, followed by symptoms such as runny nose and congestion. Cough usually manifests itself on the 4th or 5th day. Some fever may be observed in children, provided that it is not too high. Fever is not a common condition in adults. Even if fever is observed, if it exceeds 38.3 levels, it is necessary to evaluate possibilities other than cold.

In the first days, there is a clear nasal discharge. Afterwards, the discharge may be a little thicker and darker in color. This does not mean there is a bacterial infection. The cause of your cold may be caused by many viruses. Contrary to popular belief, the common cold is not just about feeling cold; it is actually a viral disease that can be caused by many viruses.

How Long Does a Cold Last?

Colds usually show symptoms for less than a week. Contagiousness is present for the first three days when symptoms appear. Therefore, it is important for family members to protect themselves and pay attention to hygiene rules during the first three days. If the cold is severe and does not get better within a week or so, there may be a bacterial infection. In this case, the use of antibiotics may be necessary. For this, you must consult your doctor because not every antibiotic is effective against every bacteria and it is not correct to use antibiotics without a diagnosis of bacterial infection.

Sometimes cold symptoms can be confused with allergic rhinitis (spring fever) or sinus infections. If your symptoms start in a very short time and subside within a week or so, you are probably dealing with a cold. If your symptoms appear slowly and get worse and do not go away in a week, then it may be possible to talk about a sinus infection, allergies or other problems.

What are the symptoms of flu?

Flu symptoms usually develop more severely and more quickly than cold symptoms. While the common cold starts with a sore throat and then a runny nose, flu symptoms appear simultaneously rather than sequentially. Sore throat, high fever, headache, muscle aches and weakness, cough and nasal congestion often occur together in a short period of time. Diarrhea and vomiting are also common symptoms of swine flu.

Flu can be contagious even 24 hours before symptoms begin, and people can actually infect others without realizing it. You may continue to be contagious for 5 to 7 days after flu symptoms begin. Under normal circumstances, after the fever subsides spontaneously, without the use of antipyretics, there will be no contagion within 24 hours.

What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

Covid-19 is a viral disease that has entered our lives in the last year and has been very busy on our agenda. In fact, although we think that it starts with fever and cough at first, the symptoms also diversify as the cases increase. In fact, when we look at the currently available data, we see that a large portion of infected people overcome this infection without showing any symptoms. There are publications showing that the contagiousness of these people who do not show symptoms is much lower than those who show symptoms.

In some cases, infected people have been reported to experience only loss of smell and taste and no other symptoms. In addition, people who tend to show symptoms initially experience fever, cough and fatigue. Loss of taste and smell may also be added to these symptoms. Although rare, headache and sore throat, skin rash, and color changes in fingers and toes are also observed.

In some cases, the infection, which may begin mildly, can quickly turn into more serious complications such as shortness of breath, chest pain and difficulty speaking. Therefore, it is very important to perform a PCR test and keep track of symptoms when there is the slightest suspicion.

Is it the flu? Is it the common cold? Is it Covid-19?

If there is a high fever, severe weakness and feeling unwell, we are probably dealing with the flu. In case of a cold, the temperature will generally not rise above 38.3. Therefore, high fever is an important indicator in distinguishing between the two diseases. Covid-19 can also start with just fever. At this point, different factors must be taken into consideration between flu and Covid-19. For example, symptoms such as sore throat, general body ache and headache will highlight the flu more. If fever is a symptom alone or is accompanied by symptoms such as loss of taste and smell and fatigue, then the suspicion of Covid-19 will be strengthened.

The table below will be useful to more clearly understand the basic similarities and differences between flu, cold and Covid-19:

Treatment Methods:

Since the common cold usually has a milder course, many people may not need treatment. Decongestants can be used for nasal congestion, and medications containing paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used for pain and fever. It is important to consult a doctor as the flu is more intense and severe and some types require special antiviral treatment. In addition to standard painkillers, antipyretics and decongestant treatments, it is useful to follow the treatment program recommended by your doctor.

Treatment for Covid-19 is provided by the state according to certain protocols. However, some studies indicate that the risk of Covid-19 infection increases significantly with vitamin D deficiency. For this reason, it is very important to have your vitamin D test and take the necessary amount of supplements if deficiency or deprivation is observed.

When Should I Consult My Doctor?

– Fever lasting more than three daysIt may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Therefore, when a fever lasting for more than three days is observed, you should consult your doctor without delay.

– Difficulty and Pain in Swallowing. Flu and cold can cause a sore throat, but severe pain when swallowing may be a sign of beta hemolytic streptococcus bacteria. You need to consult your doctor.

– Persistent Cough. If there is a cough that does not go away for 2-3 weeks, there may be a problem such as bronchitis, sinusitis, or even asthma. You should consult your doctor for a clearer diagnosis.

– Persistent Nasal Congestion and Headache. Colds can cause sinus congestion and bacterial infection. Headache, especially around the eyes and on your face, and a thick and viscous runny nose may be signs of sinusitis. Since the use of antibiotics may be necessary in some cases, it would be beneficial to consult your doctor.

– In case of loss of taste or smell or even the slightest condition that may suggest Covid-19, a PCR test should be performed immediately and the state Covid-19 unit should be contacted.

What Can I Do to Prevent Cold or Flu?

Hand hygiene is the most important precaution. Cold and flu infections, which generally occur between November and March, are infections that can be easily transmitted from person to person. Washing our hands frequently, keeping our distance from sick people, and wearing a mask when in contact with sick people are among the precautions to be taken. However, supplementing vitamins C and B during the winter months, checking vitamin D levels and supplementing if necessary can strengthen your immune system and make you more resistant to diseases.

Seasonal flu vaccination is also a very important method of protection, especially for children and the elderly. After the flu vaccine is given, immunity is developed against the current flu infection by developing antibodies within two weeks. Children who will be vaccinated for the first time may need to be vaccinated twice, one month apart. It would be beneficial to consult your doctor on this matter.

In these days when there is confusion between these infections, we can differentiate between flu, cold and Covid-19 infections by testing them simultaneously with the combined test at Elite Hospital. For test fee and details, you can contact us at 444 3548.

I wish you healthy days,

Dr. Ahmet Ozyigit, MD
Elite Research and Surgical Hospital

Contact Us For Appointment:

Telephone line: 0392 444 3548 (ELIT)

Contact Form: https://www.elitenicosia.com/iletisim/