With the arrival of winter comes the inevitable
onslaught of coughs and colds. It’s not unusual to hear
people who actually have a common cold complaining they have flu,
but there is actually a great difference between the
two.
Cold or flu?
Although both the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses,
these viruses are different. More than 200 types of virus are
responsible for the common cold, whereas there are just three main
flu, or influenza, viruses.
These are known as type A that causes the most severe illness,
type B that results in less severe illness and type C that causes a
milder illness similar to the common cold.
For the most part, a cold is an inconvenience that slows us
down. Flu on the other hand knocks someone for six and can leave
them fatigued for months after the initial symptoms have gone.
It’s a particular concern for older people who are more
susceptible to the complications of the flu such as pneumonia, and
tragically every year in the UK thousands of people die as a
result.
Generally speaking the common cold causes sneezing, a runny
and/or blocked stuffy nose, a sore throat and a cough. These
symptoms take a few days to develop and then gradually ease off, so
for many people the illness is over within a week. However,
symptoms, particularly the cough, can sometimes last a week or two
longer. Although the symptoms of a cold can be severe, which is why
people often think they have the flu, with a common cold it’s
usually possible to get on and do everyday things even if doing
them may take a little more effort.
Flu symptoms, however, take hours rather than days to develop,
so you can be
feeling as fit as a fiddle in the morning but come the afternoon
you’re tucked up in bed with a fever, headache, sweating and
shivering, aching and painful muscles, no appetite and exhausted
with a harsh dry cough. People say that if you are able to complain
about having the flu, then you probably don’t have it as the
flu leaves you with little energy to even get out of bed.
In the northern hemisphere the peak time for flu is between
December and March. However, you can catch a cold all year round
and on average adults catch between 2-4 colds every year.
Cover up
The virus particles of both the common cold and the flu are
spread from person to person through the air in small droplets of
saliva when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or even
laughs or talks. The virus particles are propelled by sneezing and
coughing at an estimated speed of around 100mph and can travel for
many meters. They may then enter a nearby person’s body
through the eyes, nose or mouth.
Virus particles can also be passed from person to person by
direct contact with contaminated hands or inanimate surfaces such
as door handles on which the virus is able to survive. For these
reasons people are advised to cover their mouth and nose with a
disposable tissue when coughing and sneezing and then to wash their
hands.
In addition to avoiding people with a cold or the flu,
it’s important for us all to wash our hands regularly
throughout the day and to avoid touching your face after
touching surfaces to lessen the chance of contracting
infection.
Putting up a strong defence
When it comes to the common cold and the flu, antibiotics are a
waste of time unless through a complication someone has also
acquired a bacterial infection. Time is the healer during which
plenty of liquids, medication and rest, to ease the symptoms are
advised. As always, though, prevention is better than cure and
it’s vital to keep the immune system fighting fit so the body
is in the best position to deal with any infection.
The influenza virus is able to mutate into new strains which
people may have little or no immunity against. It’s for this
reason that those at risk of flu complications are advised to have
a flu vaccination every year (see box). Another important
vaccination is against the bacterium that is often responsible for
pneumonia associated with the flu. This pneumococcal vaccination
can be given at any time in the year and most people only need to
have it once.
Ensuring enough rest, sleep and relaxation is essential as
stress weakens the immune system. Smoking also weakens the
body’s defences so should be avoided. Exercise boosts the
immune system as does a healthy diet that is rich in fruit and
vegetables.
When taken at the first sign of symptoms, Echinacea is believed
to be able to shorten the duration and severity of these. Zinc is
thought to do likewise. Probiotics can help to support the immune
system and taken daily may help lessen the chance of viral coughs
and colds getting hold. Selenium has an important role in a healthy
immune system and research has shown how it can help the immune
system to defend itself against viruses.
Listening to cheerful music can stimulate production of the
body’s antibodies, the chemicals produced to fight infection.
Laughter is also believed to help boost the immune system so
although the common cold, and in particular the flu, are no
laughing matter, keep your immune system in shape and you should be
laughing.
The information in this article is for general
information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the
medical advice of your own health care professional. Always seek
medical advice before taking supplements, changing diet or
embarking on a new exercise regime, particularly if you have a
medical condition or are already taking medication.
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