Cold Or Flu (Influenza)? Should you vaccinate?
- My Friendly Pharmacist
- Aug 2, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
Is it a simple cold or is it flu? How does one know?
A head cold is usually self limiting with mild symptoms such as :
* sore throat
* headache
* runny nose with or without a cough.
Flu on the other hand has all the above symptoms but the differentiating symptom is high temperature or fever and joint pain usually lasting up to 7 days.
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The Common Cold
The common cold is a disease of the upper respiratory system. It is caused by mainly the rhino virus hence the name rhinorrhoea which means a runny nose.
Rhinovirus are contagious and usually spread by person to person contact via contaminated nasal secretions on fingers and infected droplets in air.
Predisposing factors have not been identified clearly but chilling the body or simply getting wet on a rainy day doesn't by itself cause a common cold. The body is under stress so its easier to get a viral infection if exposed to the virus.
Signs and Symptoms
Onset is usually quick after a 1-3 day incubation period. Initial symptoms are a sore throat followed by sneezing, runny nose (rhinorrhoea) and body aches and or tiredness. Temperature or fever is not a typical symptom of a common cold. Dry cough is another symptom which can last for a week or 2. Persistent bronchitis can occur in people with chronic respiratory tract disease. A productive cough with dark coloured sputum is usually indicative of a secondary bacterial infection. There is an increase in bronchial constriction symptoms in asthmatics having a cold. Complications like sinusitis and otitis media ( inner ear infection ) can also occur. If there are no complications, symptoms usually resolve in 4-10 days.
Differentiation between bacterial infection, allergic rhinitis (see blog on allergies) common cold and influenza (flu) depends on the season and cause of the symptoms. Fever and more severe symptoms are usually more indicative of
influenza.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no vaccine for the common cold thus prevention of spread is key.
* hand hygiene is important to prevent spread of the virus. You can get hand sanitiser here.
* cough in the elbow when possible
* use tissues and discard them appropriately available for your convenience here.
* warm drinks will keep you comfortable and hydrated
* steam inhalations help loosen up mucus secretions and therefore relieve chest congestion. A teaspoon of Vicks will help unblock congested noses and you can get yours here if needed.
* antihistamines may help with runny nose in people with an allergy component
* warm lemon and honey drinks may soothe the throat and help with hydration if water is not palatable! Try Lemsip!
* Arma force, vitamin C, horseradish, garlic, and zinc are some immune defence therapies which can be taken prior to the cold season to help boost your immune systems. These may not work for everyone but it is definitely worth a try. Avoid Arma force in pregnancy and if you have allergies. Vitamin C is a good antioxidant and can be taken as an immune booster before, while and a week or so after you have a cold to put you back on your feet! You can get yours here. For those of you who prefer to drink rather than chew a tablet, liposomal C is available for you to purchase via this link:https://amzn.to/4cwPYQ8
Common cold is self limiting and antibiotics do not have a role as they are ineffective against viruses unless a bacterial complication develops.
*paracetamol and aspirin will help with body aches if aspirin is not contraindicated. Avoid aspirin in children as it increases the risk of Reyes' syndrome.
*nasal decongestants such as Sudafed, accessible here, are effective in relieving blocked nasal passages but should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion. Nasal formulations are helpful in people who have high blood pressure since they shouldn't be taking decongestant tablets as it may increase blood pressure. Nasal decongestant tablets such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine should be used with caution in cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism and some antidepressants especially MAO and TAC.
* cough suppressants are quite helpful for annoying hacking coughs. Dextromethorphan is a commonly used cough suppressant but should be avoided with certain antidepressants and other medications. Honey containing preparations can also help with dry coughs.
Cough syrups usually have high sugar content so if you are a diabetic, there are sugar free options available. Sometimes a cough lozenge is a better option if the cough is caused by a tickle in the throat which leads to a series of coughing fits such as Bisolvon pastilles which are available here for your convenience.
* a mucolytic such as bromhexine is useful for breaking up mucus in productive coughs. Mucolytics thin the mucus/phlegm in the airways making removal of mucus easier and more comfortable. More fluid intake will assist in thinning the mucus. You can purchase Bisolvon chesty forte which is a mucolytic here.
Influenza (Flu)
Flu is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus and is spread by bodily fluid from infected people in 2 ways:
* airborne via sneezing or coughing
*direct contact with respiratory secretions.
While the common cold doesn't have a vaccine, Flu on the other hand is a vaccine preventable disease. It is highly recommended for everyone above 6 months of age to have the flu vaccine yearly.
Symptoms , Treatment and Prevention
Like the cold, flu is a highly contagious disease. Flu symptoms include that of a cold but are more severe. Flu can affect anyone but is especially serious for babies, young children, pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions and the elderly.
Symptoms may occur abruptly rather than gradually. Incubation period is usually 2 days. The following symptoms are predominant in the case of flu;
*Fever
* Body aches
* Chills
* Fatigue
* Weakness
* Headache
* Loss of appetite
If symptoms become severe speak to your doctor especially if you are at a risk of serious complications such as people with asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or are immunocompromised.
Severe flu can cause hospitalisations and death.
The best treatment of flu is to get plenty of rest and keep hydrated. Paracetamol and ibuprofen will reduce fever and help with body aches. Using a humidifier may be helpful especially in people with respiratory complications and congestion in young children.
There are a few antiviral medications that can be taken within 72 hours of onset of symptoms.
Other complications of influenza include acute bronchitis, croup, acute ear infection, pneumonia and encephalitis.
Although antivirals can shorten the length and severity of flu symptoms there is no substitute for the seasonal yearly flu vaccine!
Having the flu vaccine reduces serious complications of influenza virus. Therefore anyone 6 months and over should receive the vaccine unless there is a contraindication such as anaphylaxis. Having egg allergy is no longer a reason for not having the flu vaccine as it only contains minute traces of egg protein. Talk your health professional if there are any concerns regarding this.
Apart from the standard quadrivalent flu vaccine there is another cell based vaccine available now. Adjuvanted quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine ( eg Fluad -Quad) is recommended for people 65 years and older.
Pregnant women can have the vaccine at any stage of the pregnancy.
Side Effects of Flu Vaccine
Common side effects include
* pain, redness and swelling at site of injection
* mild fever, aches and tiredness may occur mimicking flu
Paracetamol in an appropriate dose for children and adults can be taken to alleviate flu like symptoms. A cold compress can be used on the injection site.
The common cold won't kill you but serious influenza complications would or it could land you in hospital with severe disease. Since flu is a preventable disease why take a chance, have your yearly flu jab. Keep the family safe and have anyone above the age of 6 months vaccinated. Speak to your health professional regarding any concerns.
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