We’ve all been there. You start to get a stuffy nose, you sneeze more times than you can count, you start to feel as though your head has been filled with pillows, and you just don’t know what to do with yourself. Yes, although cold and flu can occur at any time, these illnesses are more prevalent during the winter months. Most of us learn to deal with these two illnesses on their own, but it’s important that people know what the difference is between cold and flu. After all, this will determine how you can recover from them both quicker…
The symptoms of a cold
If you have a runny or blocked nose, a sore throat, a cough, and can’t stop sneezing, then there’s a high chance that you just have a common cold. While these definitely aren’t fun, they are manageable, and they aren’t life-threatening. The initial brunt of the cold can be uncomfortable and cause you to lose sleep and feel weak, but the symptoms should start clearing after a few days. After all of that, you’ll learn to appreciate the ability to breathe out of your nose...
The symptoms of the flu
The symptoms of the flu are very similar to the cold, which is why they are often misdiagnosed. However, the flu is much more serious and carries a much higher risk. While the same blocked and runny nose, cough, and sore throat will make an appearance, those with the flu will also run a fever. This normally comes in at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and will often come complete with a headache, chills, aching muscles, and lethargy. It can be much harder to get rid of a cold, and it can often take weeks for those with the flu to get back to normal health.
The differences
The main difference between the cold and the flu is that some of the symptoms are different. However, that’s not all that’s different. Colds are more common because there are hundreds of viruses that can cause a cold. Yet, the same can’t be said for the flu. There are only three strains of viruses that can cause the flu, and these are normally passed on when you come into direct contact with someone else who has the flu.
How do you recover from them quicker?
It’s easy to recover from both the flu and a cold at home and without treatment, but there are ways to recover from them quicker. The main way to do this is to rest and take it easy. Because your body is fighting off the viruses, you don't want to put it under any more strain. Rest, maintain your fluids, eat fruits and vegetables, and take meditation that can help lower a fever. Apart from that, you just have to let your body do its thing.
Colds and flu can make you feel like you’ll never be healthy again, but they’re not the end of the world. Just rest up, and you’ll be better in no time!
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