Contrary to popular belief, a cold and the flu is not the same. So just how do you differentiate between the two?

1. Colds and Flu
BY ALI GHAHARY

2. As many as one quarter of Canadians suffer from the
common cold or flu each year, according to Health
Canada.

3. Colds and flu can wreak havoc on your body and affect
the immune system, making sleep, work, and focusing
on everyday tasks and activities difficult.

4. Contrary to popular belief, a cold and the flu is not the
same. So just how do you differentiate between the
two?

5. The flu is caused by the
influenza virus,
whereas colds can be
triggered by over 200
different viruses such
as the adenovirus and
coronavirus.

6. Despite their
similarities, they have
different causes and
require different forms
of treatment, thus it is
important to consult a
physician.

7. In general, the flu is usually worse than a common cold
and can result in serious health complications.

8. Its symptoms are more severe and last longer than
those of a cold.

9. If you have the flu, you may experience nausea, a dry
cough, nasal congestion, muscle weakness, fatigue,
shaking and chills, sore throat, body aches, and a
moderate-to-high fever.

10. Flu symptoms can appear suddenly and can last from
seven days to as long as two weeks.

11. In severe cases, symptoms may last up to three weeks.
Cold symptoms develop over one or two days and last
three to ten days.

12. At Brentwood Medical
Clinic in Burnaby, British
Columbia, a patient
presenting with cold and
flu related symptoms is
something Dr. Ali Ghahary
sees quite commonly.

13. Flu and colds are
typically treated with
antiviral drugs, cough
relief medication, and,
if necessary, antibiotics
are prescribed.

14. It is also essential to
get proper rest and eat
well.

15. Without appropriate
treatment, colds and
flu can lead to
pneumonia, middle-ear
infections, bronchitis
and sinusitis.

16. The risk is even greater
for children, seniors,
and people with pre-
existing health
conditions such as lung
and heart disease.