The cold and flu are both viral illnesses that attack the respiratory system of the body. However, they are caused by different types of viruses, have slightly different symptoms and require different treatments. A cold is usually less severe, will resolve spontaneously and individuals will typically be able to work through the illness. The flu can be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 36,000 people die each year from flu related symptoms.
Causes
Both illnesses are caused by viruses, rather than bacteria or fungal infections. According to Scientific American, the flu is caused by the influenza virus. The common cold is caused by the adenovirus or coronavirus. There is no cure for either viral illness because each virus also has many different subsets, all of which contain different DNA and a lot of variability. This is the reason that the flu vaccines change each year.
Symptoms
According to information Pierce College provides for its students, fever is rarely found in individuals who have a cold and quite common in individuals who suffer from either the swine flu or the seasonal flu. Coughing is often productive with the cold but nonproductive and dry with the flu. The cold most often produces a stuffy nose that usually resolves within a week to 10 days. A stuffy nose may be present with the seasonal flu, but is not commonly present with the swine flu. Individuals suffering from a cold will tend to have mild degrees of fatigue, but those suffering from the flu will have moderate to severe forms of fatigue that they may not be able to work through. A cold will develop over a few days while the flu tends to develop more rapidly.
Diagnosis
Most individuals with a cold or the flu do not visit the physician for diagnosis. Because they share many of the same symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference without a nasal swab for culture. If the cold is mild or the flu severe, most physicians and individuals can differentiate the illness from symptoms alone. However, a nasal swab will be able to help the physician tell the difference between the two types of flu, the season flu and the swine flu.
Treatment
Treatment for the cold and the flu varies slightly, according to Scientific American. Individuals who are suffering from a cold will find relief using a gentle saline rinse of the nose and sinus cavities to remove the virus. Viruses use iron as a part of their reproductive cycle, so individuals should stop any iron supplementation during a cold or the flu. Physicians may recommend the use of a class of medications called antivirals to block the virus's ability to reproduce and shorten the length and severity of the illness. These medications are more commonly used in individuals who are immunocompromised and must be initiated within 48 hours of the start of the illness. Patients will also find that rest, decongestants, antihistamines, anti-fever medications and fluids will help to support the body and decrease the effects of the illness.
Prognosis
Individuals who suffer from an infection from adenovirus or coronavirus will usually not suffer any long-term side effects. Unfortunately, these viruses can also lower the resistance of an individual's immune system and can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. However, complications from the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of other chronic medical conditions, according to The Health and Human Services Interagency Public Affairs Group on Influenza Preparedness and Response.
Prevention
Strategies to avoid contracting the flu or a cold are very similar. Individuals should eat a well-balanced and nutritional diet, get plenty of rest, exercise and fluids in order to enhance the functional abilities of their immune system. Practice strict hand washing techniques, do not share drinking cups or utensils and avoid direct contact with people who are sneezing or sick.
