Both colds and flus are the result of a viral infection. Although the symptoms of colds and flus are mostly distinct, the website Family Doctor warns that the symptoms usually associated with colds or flu could be other ailments, such as strep throat, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or gastroenteritis. If you have acute or persistent symptoms of cold or flu -- the sore throat, body aches, coughing or fever -- visit your doctor to ensure proper treatment.
Cold Viruses
There are over 200 viruses that could account for the onset of a cold, according to "Diseases and Disorders, Volume 1." Accordingly, rather than referring to a particular virus, a cold denotes a particular infection. A cold is essentially the product of a pathogenic virus aside influenza attacking the nose and upper throat. The resulting symptoms include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, coughing and sore or irritated throat. Colds typically last a week or less.
Flu Viruses
The flu is caused by an infection of the entire respiratory system, states Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. Influenza comes in three orthomyxoviruses, types A, B and C. Influenza type A is the most severe as well as dangerous, while C is the least severe, often appearing similar to the common cold. "Diseases and Disorders, Volume 1" indicates that influenza is highly contagious and mutates annually, known as antigenic drift, accounting for the recurrent flu season every fall. Influenza sometimes results in pandemics, particularly following acute or drug-resistant mutations. Pregnant women, those with pre-existing conditions that compromise immunity, health care employees and seniors are most susceptible to influenza under normal conditions.
Causes of Infection
In the book "Alternative Medicine," Burton Goldberg, Larry Trivieri and John Anderson state that, although cold and flu infections result from a viral invasion of the respiratory system, there are other factors that could render infections more likely, or even instigate their onset. Such factors include sleep deprivation, stress and negative emotions like anger and sadness. Their direct influence results from suppressed immunity, but these factors can also affect behavior in such a way that renders infections more likely. For example, sleep deprivation may cause carelessness in preventing infection from airborne pathogens, while stress or sadness may cause dietary issues and sleep deprivation.
References
- Family Doctor: Cold and Flu
- "Diseases and Disorders, Volume 1"; The Marshall Cavendish Corporation; 2008
- "The Johns Hopkins Complete Home Guide to Symptoms & Remedies"; Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D.; 2004
- "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide"; Burton Goldberg, Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson; 2002
