Some people confuse a cold with the flu, but the illnesses are different. They usually have a different course and symptoms. With the flu, the symptoms come on suddenly and are pronounced. Colds are characterized by mild symptoms that start slowly. This was pointed out by experts from the Public Health Office (ÚVZ) of the Slovak Republic in a brochure for the current flu season.
- Colds and flu have different symptoms and course of illness.
- Influenza manifests itself with severe and significant symptoms, such as a high fever.
- A cold has a milder course with gradual symptoms than sneezing.
- The diagnosis of influenza is determined according to the symptoms and the epidemic situation.
- Confirmation of the influenza virus is possible through a laboratory swab from the nasopharynx.
“If a cold is not complicated by another infection, the disease usually has only a mild course. On the contrary, the flu is often a serious disease that should not be underestimated.” brought closer by experts.
Flu is accompanied by high fever or chills, headache, muscle, joint and eye pain. There is also pain and burning in the throat, as well as problems with swallowing, a dry cough or extreme fatigue. Sneezing is rare, often without a runny nose.
A cold is manifested, for example, by frequent sneezing, a slight cough and a sore throat, which usually subsides within two days. It is typical for it to have no or only a slightly elevated temperature. The mucus is initially watery and after a few days it thickens and disappears completely.
In diagnostics, general practitioners orientate themselves according to the typical symptoms of the flu and with regard to the current epidemic situation. “If necessary, the doctor may also consider a swab from the nasopharynx, which will be examined in the laboratory for the presence of the influenza virus,” added ÚVZ.
