Common Cold Vs Flu
The Common Cold is a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract (nose, throat) which is generally caused by Rhinoviruses. Symptoms of the Common Cold include runny nose, cough and sore throat. These usually ease off over a few days and do not deteriorate into severe health problems.
Flu on the other hand, is caused by the Influenza virus. While some symptoms of Flu are identical to the Common Cold, such as a runny nose and cough, individuals with Flu may also experience chills and fever. Symptoms of Flu also appear much quicker (usually within three to six hours) than the common cold. Unlike the Common Cold, Flu can deteriorate and cause severe illnesses like bronchitis (inflammation of the airways) and pneumonia (infection of the lung). Bacterial infection of the damaged respiratory track and lungs may also occur.
How do I get Infected?
Both Common Cold viruses and the Influenza virus enter the body through the mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can be spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks and you breathe in the droplets. It also spreads through hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by sharing contaminated objects, such as utensils, towels, toys or telephones. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact or exposure, you may catch the virus.
If you have the Common Cold, or Flu, you should be socially responsible and observe the following:
See a doctor if you are feeling unwell; do not go to school or work when ill
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Wear a surgical mask if possible
Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after touching your eyes, mouth or nose
When sharing food at meal times, use a serving spoon
What are the Common Signs and Symptoms?
Flu on the other hand, is caused by the Influenza virus. While some symptoms of Flu are identical to the Common Cold, such as a runny nose and cough, individuals with Flu may also experience chills and fever. Symptoms of Flu also appear much quicker (usually within three to six hours) than the common cold. Unlike the Common Cold, Flu can deteriorate and cause severe illnesses like bronchitis (inflammation of the airways) and pneumonia (infection of the lung). Bacterial infection of the damaged respiratory track and lungs may also occur.
How do I get Infected?
Both Common Cold viruses and the Influenza virus enter the body through the mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can be spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks and you breathe in the droplets. It also spreads through hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by sharing contaminated objects, such as utensils, towels, toys or telephones. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact or exposure, you may catch the virus.
If you have the Common Cold, or Flu, you should be socially responsible and observe the following:
See a doctor if you are feeling unwell; do not go to school or work when ill
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Wear a surgical mask if possible
Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after touching your eyes, mouth or nose
When sharing food at meal times, use a serving spoon
What are the Common Signs and Symptoms?
| Common Cold | Flu |
|---|---|
| Running/Stuffy Nose | Nasal Congestion |
| Itchy/Sore Throat | Chills and sweat |
| Cough | Dry Cough |
| Sneezing | Headache |
| Watery Eyes | Fatigue and weakness |
| Low-grade Fever | Fever above 38 degrees |
| Mild body aches | Aching muscles especially in arms/legs/back |
What are the Treatments Available?
Treatment for both Common Cold and Flu are similar. It involves plenty of rest and fluid intake. As a guide, you are well hydrated when your urine is clear or pale yellow.
Medications can also be used to treat discomforting symptoms. For fever and sore throat, simple painkillers (such as paracetamol) are useful. Decongestants and antihistamines are also good for relieving blocked and runny nose. Finally, your doctor may prescribe you cough syrups to reduce the severity of your cough.
In cases of severe Flu, doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs (Tamiflu or Relenza) to directly attack the Influenza virus. However, these medications are not usually prescribed for mild cases of Flu as your body has the ability to develop antibodies to counter the virus. Furthermore, if the use of antiviral drugs becomes widespread, the Influenza virus may become resistant to them and doctors would have fewer medications available for patients with severe Flu.
What is Flu Vaccination?
The Influenza virus is special as it constantly changes, resulting in new strains of the virus appearing regularly. Therefore, even if you had Flu in the past and your body has already made antibodies to fight that particular strain of the virus, you can still get Flu again as the antibodies against the Influenza virus strain that you encountered in the past cannot protect you from the new strains. In fact, sudden changes in Influenza virus strains have been responsible for the historical global Flu epidemics that killed tens of millions of people.
The best prevention against Flu is to get an annual seasonal Flu vaccination. Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, it is recommended that you get yourself vaccinated even if you are healthy, especially if you live with or take care of the following people:
The elderly (aged 65 years and above)
People with low immunity (e.g. under cancer treatment)
Children aged 5 years and below
The Flu vaccination takes effect in about 2 weeks, so it is better to get vaccinated early before the Flu season starts. In Singapore, the Flu season generally occurs between December and February, so try to get yourself vaccinated in end-November each Year!
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