Cold or flu?

Who hasn’t wondered? The 2 sound similar, but they’re really 2 different types of infection. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which varies from year to year, and the common cold is caused by more than 200 varieties of virus, including rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses… Here are a few tips on how to distinguish, treat and prevent them…

HOW TO TELL THEM APART?

Severity and intensity of symptoms

Although symptoms are similar, flu symptoms are generally more intense. The common cold is a relatively trivial infection that rarely leads to complications, whereas the flu can have serious consequences, especially for people at risk. Flu symptoms also tend to present more suddenly.

FEVER

Fever is less common with colds, but much more common with the flu.  A high body temperature, 100.4 to 104º F or 38 to 40º C for a prolonged period of 3 to 4 days, is more likely a sign of the flu.

FATIGUE

The flu can cause intense fatigue, often confining us to bed for several days, whereas the common cold is generally associated with a lighter fatigue that allows us to go about our business.

COUGH

Both conditions can frequently lead to coughing. However, the common cold generally causes a mild to moderate cough, whereas the cough associated with the flu can be more severe.

ACHES AND PAINS

Slight muscle aches and pains can occur with a cold, but are more often associated with the flu. They are more intense and occur more suddenly. They usually disappear within 3 to 4 days.

NASAL CONGESTION AND DISCHARGE

These symptoms are more commonly associated with colds, but can also occur in children suffering from the flu.

SNEEZING

Common with colds, but rarely with flu.

HEADACHES

With a cold, nasal congestion can lead to headaches, which are generally mild. With the flu, they are more frequent and more intense.

SORE THROATS

Sore throats occur in both conditions, although they are more often associated with colds.

HOW TO PREVENT THEM?

Vaccination:

There is no vaccine for the common cold, since it is associated with over 200 different types of virus. However, flu vaccination remains the best way to prevent colds. Flu vaccination is for everyone. It is particularly recommended for populations at higher risk of complications, such as:

  • Children aged 6 months to 17 years suffering from certain chronic diseases.
  • Adults with certain chronic diseases
  • Pregnant women (2nd and 3rd trimester)
  • People aged 75 and over
  • People living with people at risk
  • Healthcare workers

Good habits to reduce your risk:

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Adopt a healthy lifestyle:
    • Daily physical activity
    • Stay well hydrated: 1.5 L to 2 L of water per day (if no fluid limit)
    • Eat well, with healthy meals
    • Good sleep hygiene
    • Stop smoking
    • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Avoid contact with cold and flu sufferers
  • Good stress management (meditation, conscious breathing, yoga, physical activity, etc.)
  • Cough and sneeze into the crease of your elbow or into a handkerchief
  • Wear a mask if you are in contact with an infected person, or if you are infected yourself
  • Rest and relax
  • Air the house to renew the indoor air

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?

Antivirals can be prescribed for the flu, and can reduce the duration of symptoms by an average of 1 day. However, they are not prescribed in all cases, and should be taken within the first 2 days of the onset of symptoms. Antibiotics are not effective against colds or flu, but can be prescribed in cases of associated bacterial infection.

In general, flu and cold treatments are supportive. Rest and good hydration are key. If symptoms are uncomfortable, medication can be used to treat them. Aches and pains, sore throats and headaches can be relieved with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, coughs with cough suppressants, nasal congestion with saline solutions and, in some cases, oral decongestants.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE?

Colds and flu can generally be treated at home.

You should consult your doctor in certain specific situations:

  • Pain that increases or persists with breathing.
  • A fever that increases or persists for more than 5 days.

An emergency consultation is necessary if you have:

  • breathing difficulties
  • blue lips
  • intense chest pain
  • intense or increasing head pain
  • drowsiness
  • difficulty staying awake
  • confusion or disorientation
  • convulsions
  • absence of urine for 12 hours or intense thirst.

To find out more, talk to your nurse or doctor.

*The information contained in this fact sheet does not replace the advice of a health professional and is provided for information purposes only.

By Valérie Boyer, pharmacist and Maude Mongrain, nurse and yoga teacher