What are Cold and Flu?

 The infections of the upper respiratory tract, that is nose, throat, ears and sinuses, are termed as a common cold or flu or influenza. A cold or flu can afflict anyone. It is not age specific, though the children run a higher risk of catching a cold than adults. Usually, it is in the winter months that one catches cold. One can also catch cold in summers, owing to a type of cold virus. This proves that cold is not just winter specific and can happen round the year.

Colds and Flu causes

Both, the cold and the flu are viral infections. While cold is the milder form of the virus, a flu, which is caused by an influenza virus, is more severe. These are contagious infections and can get transferred to others by tiny droplets (while sneezing etc) or by hand contact.

There are many viruses that can cause cold and this explains the fact why children get cold so often. Basically there are three types of Viruses -- A, B and C. Since the flu virus keeps changing its structure resulting in the generation of new strains, we keep catching flu repeatedly (due to lack of immunity against these new strains).

cold and flu symptoms

A stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, mild fever and tiredness --these are all the symptoms of cold, which might extend up to three to four days. Meanwhile, the symptoms of flu happen to be more severe causing high fevers, chills, headache, intense muscle pains, exhaustion, loss of appetite, cough, blocked nose and a sore throat. The effect of influenza may last a week or more, and if not treated on time, it may turn into pneumonia.

Treatment

Usually colds need no treatment at all since they never last long. But in case of old people or people with a long history of medications, it is necessary to consult your physician immediately. In case the cough due to influenza lasts for more than three weeks, you should again consult a physician. Usually, however, the use of painkillers and simple measures like decongestants and vaporizers help one to deal with the cold.

One can also make use of Zinc supplements as they help one to overcome the cold fast. Antibiotics will have no effect at all. A lot of rest, medicines to bring down the fever and plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration is the only key, which would ensure that the children or adults successfully combat flu. In case of fever, lowering the room temperature also helps in bringing down the fever. Though specific antiviral treatments are now available, they are generally not used unless the patient is at a high risk of developing further complications.

Prevention

You can have a flu vaccination administered at autumn of every year to prevent the onset of this malaise. During winters, keep yourself wrapped up and stay warm to protect yourself against the cold and influenza. The cold and flu usually does not become complicated amongst the healthy people and they disappear without any treatment.

You can use decongestants like pseudoephedrine to relieve yourself of the stuffy noses and sinuses. Anti-histamine tablets and nasal sprays are another option, but these will make you feel drowsy. Using and antiseptic or local anesthetic throat sprays can relieve you of your throat pains.

There are few more things, which need to be taken care of. For example, one should not consume alcohol while on the medication containing paracetamol. Drink lots of non-alcoholic beverages like fruit juices or water. Wash your hands regularly to prevent the viruses from settling down.

Dispose off the used tissues immediately as keeping them lying around might increase the risk of others catching the same viral infection. Avoid close contact with the person already suffering from the cold or flu, as it is highly contagious. Just following these simple measures will help you combat the flu and cold.