By: MattAmbrose
When you wake up in the morning sneezing with a sore throat and bunged up nose it can be difficult to tell whether you have a common cold or flu. It's common to think that flu (or influenza, to give it its full name) of just a very bad cold, but they're actually different conditions.
There are many different types of viruses that can cause a cold, whereas for flu there are three types: A, B and C. You can also catch a cold at anytime throughout the year, whereas flu typically only spreads during a two month period starting in late November.
Colds rarely pose a severe threat and you can usually carry on with your daily life without too much inconvenience. Flu, on the other hand, is more severe and can often mean you need bed rest until it passes. Along with the symptoms you'd get from a cold, flu can cause body aches, nausea, loss of appetite and chills.
The clearest way to identify whether you have a cold or flu is to check your temperature. With a cold your temperature wont go above 101ºF whereas with flu it can reach 102ºF or higher, particularly in small children.
Despite being slightly different conditions, both colds and flu are treated in the same way – plenty of rest and fluids. If they haven't reduced within 2 weeks or the symptoms worsen then it's a good idea to visit your doctor.
If you'd like to avoid the risk of catching flu this winter then you can pop down to your local pharmacy for the flu jab. It's quick, relatively painless and will protect you against flu for six months.
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Article contributed by Allabouthealth.org.uk – a resource of health advice and information that aims to spread awareness on the health services (such as weight management, stopping smoking and cholesterol screening) available in your local pharmacy.
There are many different types of viruses that can cause a cold, whereas for flu there are three types: A, B and C. You can also catch a cold at anytime throughout the year, whereas flu typically only spreads during a two month period starting in late November.
Colds rarely pose a severe threat and you can usually carry on with your daily life without too much inconvenience. Flu, on the other hand, is more severe and can often mean you need bed rest until it passes. Along with the symptoms you'd get from a cold, flu can cause body aches, nausea, loss of appetite and chills.
The clearest way to identify whether you have a cold or flu is to check your temperature. With a cold your temperature wont go above 101ºF whereas with flu it can reach 102ºF or higher, particularly in small children.
Despite being slightly different conditions, both colds and flu are treated in the same way – plenty of rest and fluids. If they haven't reduced within 2 weeks or the symptoms worsen then it's a good idea to visit your doctor.
If you'd like to avoid the risk of catching flu this winter then you can pop down to your local pharmacy for the flu jab. It's quick, relatively painless and will protect you against flu for six months.
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Article contributed by Allabouthealth.org.uk – a resource of health advice and information that aims to spread awareness on the health services (such as weight management, stopping smoking and cholesterol screening) available in your local pharmacy.
About the Author
Matt Ambrose is a freelance copywriter and author of the award winning Copywriter's Crucible blog - a melting pot of fresh marketing ideas, copywriting tips and other brain waves he throws into the mix.
(ArticlesBase SC #3708720)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - What's the difference between a cold and flu?
thanks for stopping by, and becoming a follower. Thanks for the info on a cold vs. flu. I got my flu shot a few weeks ago, so I'm protected and happy about that. Have a great weekend.
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