Serious flu or a simple cold - What's the difference?

Symptoms of the flu and cold are similar

Cough, runny nose, fever: It's not uncommon to catch an infection in wet, cold weather. Because the symptoms are similar, some people may not be sure if they have a "simple" cold or flu. Experts explain how the diseases differ.

Symptoms are similar

In the fall and winter months, many people are ill - a harmless cold think many. But beware: in the cold season, the flu has high season. Since the symptoms are partly similar, the difference between cold and flu is not clear to all. Dr. Johannes Schenkel, Medical Director of Independent Patient Counseling Germany (UPD), explains in a communication how to differentiate diseases and how to protect themselves.

When symptoms such as cold, cough and fever set, some people do not know at first, whether a simple cold or a flu is behind the symptoms. The symptoms of the diseases are similar. But there are significant differences. (Image: Andrey Popov / fotolia.com)

Difference between the flu and cold

"Flu (influenza) is a serious infection caused by influenza viruses. In the initial stage, it may give the appearance of a cold, because the symptoms are similar, "Dr. Johannes thighs.

Whether a flu or a flu infection is present, it can be seen, among other things, how quickly the symptoms set, because a real flu occurs suddenly. In addition, the symptoms are usually more intense.

In addition, a flu differs from a cold by a longer disease course. While flu usually lasts up to 14 days, a cold usually clears after a week.

Symptoms of flu include a high fever of over 38.5 degrees, which often lasts up to a week, sore throat, cough, severe headaches, muscle and limb pain, chills, and massive fatigue.

Complicating complications such as pneumonia can occur.

In contrast, a cold initially causes a slight scratching in the throat. The condition worsens slowly and the person suffering from cough, a runny nose, possibly a slight fever and head and body aches.

Increased risk of infection in the cold season

"In the cold months, the risk of infection is particularly high, as the flu viruses are easily spread by various routes," explains the medical director of the UPD.

For example, a transmission by a droplet infection is possible. In the process, the viruses are distributed by coughing, sneezing or speaking in the air and / or on surfaces and taken up by fellow human beings via the mucous membranes.

Flu viruses attached to objects are picked up by touch and carried on. Due to the so-called smear infection, the infection is still possible even if the transmitter has left the room long ago.

Even through direct contact when shaking hands or kissing the viruses get on quickly. Since people spend more time in closed rooms, especially in winter, this facilitates the spread even more.

Reduce contagion risk

In order to protect yourself from an infection, it is generally useful to strengthen the immune system, keep away from patients and regularly wash their hands.

In addition, one should not cough and sneeze in the hand, but in the crook of the arm or a handkerchief.

Diseased people should avoid contact with other people in order not to be infected.

In addition to such measures, there is another way to protect against influenza infection:

"In principle, a flu vaccine makes sense, because the vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of infection - and more than half," says Schenkel from the UPD.

Whether a flu vaccine makes sense, but ultimately everyone must decide for themselves. (Ad)