When it is cold and when is flu?

When it is cold and when is flu? Cold and flu are among the most common health problems that affect us in winter.
Although they have different causes, the symptoms of both are to some extent similar and are often confused.
If we can correctly identify which of these we face, it will be easier to reduce recovery time and return to optimal health.

Causes of colds and flu
Both colds and flu are caused by viruses, but the two pathogens that cause them are different, and the disease must also be addressed taking into account the specifics of each.
There are over 100 viruses that trigger colds and a considerably smaller number for influenza. As the coldness actually enter a range of viral infections of the respiratory system generated mostly by rhinoviruses, and adenoviruses, coxsackie viruses, echoviruses, orthomyxoviruses, paramyxoviruses, respiratory and enteroviruses sincital virus.
Influenza is caused by three main types of influenza viruses, collectively known as A, B and C. The Class A is the most frequently responsible for outbreaks of influenza.

Cold symptoms
The first signs of a cold are sore throat, sneezing and stuffy nose or runny nose. Cough is also one of the early symptoms of a cold. When cold, fever is not mandatory and when they do, they do not generally exceed 38 degrees Celsius.
Fever may be added headache, fatigue or ear pain. The symptoms intensify as the disease progresses and are complemented by abundant flow of the nose.
Colds occur in one or two days of contracting the virus and has an average duration of one week. In some cases, the virus that caused it is stronger or weakened immune system, this disease can take up to two weeks.

Flu Symptoms
Avian manifestations are stronger than those of the flu and the complications that they can cause serious health problems rise. The most telling sign that we are dealing with a flu and not a cold muscle pain intensity are significant.
Also, high fever up to 40 degrees Celsius and strong headaches are typical flu like fatigue that is installed for a period of approximately two to three weeks. On the other hand, symptoms such as sore throat and runny nose are weaker in intensity than in cold flu.
Untreated, both colds and flu can give serious complications of pulmonary nature, such as bronchitis, asthma or pneumonia, and otitis, sinusitis or encephalitis. Therefore it is important to take care of the health of the body and immune system to avoid such situations, be a priority in winter.