Whats the difference between a cold and the flu?
The common cold can be the result of one or more of over 200 different viruses. The flu is caused by multiple strains of two types of a single family of viruses that change their characteristics every year. The types are conveniently called Type A and Type B. (There is a third type, which is C and rarely causes disease in humans.) Different strains appear every year, so that one year’s immunity is not completely effective the next year. Colds is indicated by one or more of a sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, a low-grade fever with muscle aches and a general sick feeling. Laryngitis is soemtimes associated with a cold as well. The flu is typified by a high fever, a dry cough, much worse aching all over, and feeling terrible. Colds generally last about a week, the flu up to 2 weeks. Colds are more common during the winter, but the flu appears almost exclusively during the winter months in the northern hemisphere.
The common cold can be the result of one or more of over 200 different viruses. The flu is caused by multiple strains of two types of a single family of viruses that change their characteristics every year. The types are conveniently called Type A and Type B. (There is a third type, which is C and rarely causes disease in humans.) Different strains appear every year, so that one year’s immunity is not completely effective the next year. Colds is indicated by one or more of a sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, a low-grade fever with muscle aches and a general sick feeling. Laryngitis is soemtimes associated with a cold as well. The flu is typified by a high fever, a dry cough, much worse aching all over, and feeling terrible. Colds generally last about a week, the flu up to 2 weeks. Colds are more common during the winter, but the flu appears almost exclusively during the winter months in the northern hemisphere.
Aside from the obvious difference in the names, the SYMPTOMATIC differences are: 1. For the seasonal flu, it’s all a part of the same “family name” called Orthomyxoviridae, with these family “members”: Influenzavirus A, Influenzavirus B, Influenzavirus C, Thogotovirus, and Isavirus—-each viral genome length varies from 12,000-15,000 nucleotides, each with their own unique genetic codes, making it impossible to nail them all in one vaccination shot. So you can get vaccinated for one type, but STILL get the flu from another type. Under this category, the difference is the BODY ACHES and LACK OF appetite—-that’s how you can tell if you have a cold or a flu. Having a flu can also have ALL of the symptoms of a cold with the addition of muscle aches throughout the whole body. Fevers are NOT the determinant symptom—-regardless if it’s 100 or 104 or 105, “low-grade” or “high-grade”, as BOTH colds and flus can produce fevers, which the high body temperature is your body’s natural defense
