Definition
A cold is also called a flu-like infection. It is an infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract, i.e. the mucous membranes of the nose, paranasal sinuses and respiratory tract are particularly inflamed. The symptoms are similar to those of influenza and include sore throat, cough and rhinitis.
Normally, however, a cold starts more slowly than flu and is somewhat milder. The symptoms appear insidiously and gradually worsen. Flu (influenza) is a viral disease caused by influenza viruses.
The viruses attack the mucous membranes and cause sudden symptoms such as high fever, rhinitis, sore throat and cough. Influenza can have different degrees of severity, in extreme cases it can even be fatal. A flu is therefore a dangerous illness, and a doctor should always be consulted.
The flu occurs particularly frequently in the winter time and it can come to so-called flu waves, with which the illness appears temporally and locally more frequently. Vulnerable risk groups, such as the elderly or persons with a weakened immune system, are therefore recommended to have an annual flu vaccination to protect against the disease. Click here for the main article on influenza
What is the difference between a cold and a flu?
It is not always easy to distinguish between a cold and a flu, but they are different diseases with different courses. In common parlance, the two terms are often used synonymously. A cold and a flu are caused by different triggers.
Both diseases are infectious diseases caused by a virus. A cold can be caused by a variety of different viruses – most often by rhinoviruses – whereas the “real” flu is always caused by influenza viruses. In both cases, the infection occurs through droplet infection, direct physical contact with sick persons or through contaminated objects.
A common cold or flu-like infection and the flu have similar symptoms. These include a general feeling of illness, malaise, aching limbs and an elevated body temperature. Typically, the symptoms of influenza occur very suddenly, whereas a cold is characterized by a slow onset of the illness.
A cold usually begins with a sore throat as the first sign, and gradually more symptoms are added. Several symptoms that appear suddenly and violently together are more likely to indicate influenza. A cold can cause fever due to the body’s defensive reaction.
In most cases, however, the body temperature rises only slightly to a maximum of 38.5° Celsius. A flu is often accompanied by sudden and very high fever, values above 39° Celsius, chills and sweating are typical. Another distinguishing feature between a cold and flu is the accompanying pain.
A cold usually begins with a scratchy throat and sore throat. A cold, clogged sinuses and frequent sneezing and light headaches are other symptoms of a cold. Towards the end of the illness, the sore throat usually disappears, but often a dry irritable cough still occurs.
Those affected feel listless and complain of slight aching limbs. In contrast, a stuffy or runny nose rarely occurs with influenza, and the disease is characterized by severe coughing, sore throat and severe difficulty swallowing. Persons suffering from influenza suffer from severe headaches and extreme pain in the limbs.
In addition, those affected are very weakened, feel exhausted and tired for a long time. In summary, the following can be said about the difference between a flu and a viral cold: A viral cold is caused by viruses. More than 200 different viruses are known, the most common pathogens are the rhinoviruses.
The viruses penetrate the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and cause inflammation, which manifests itself as a cold, sore throat and cough. Mild fever and mild limb and headaches can also occur. A cold only needs to be treated symptomatically, i.e. the patient can alleviate the symptoms with sore throat, cough syrup and nasal spray.A visit to the doctor is not necessary in most cases.
The flu is caused by influenza viruses. These are very contagious pathogens that are transmitted by droplet and smear infection. For weakened people, influenza is not just a severe cold, but is a serious illness that can lead to serious and life-threatening complications.
People who are at high risk of getting flu can protect themselves with the annual flu vaccination. A real flu is characterized by sudden onset of symptoms, a high fever that sets in quickly and severe headaches and aching limbs. The course is longer than with a normal cold. A doctor should be consulted if a flu illness is suspected.
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