An infectious upper respiratory illness called the common cold affects the windpipe (trachea), sinuses, throat, and nose. Common colds are prevalent, and you will experience many common colds over your lifetime without any long-term, serious harm to your body. Adults often have a cold two or three times a year, but children typically get sick four or more times and show more severe symptoms. 

On the other hand, influenza, often referred to as seasonal flu, is a virus-borne disease that can cause serious health conditions. The symptoms of the flu typically appear quickly and are more severe than those of the common cold. A sore throat, fever, headache, pains in the muscles, and cough are some of the symptoms of the flu. Let us take an in-depth look at influenza vs common cold and flu symptoms cold symptoms in the rainy season so that you know when to seek medical attention.  

What is Influenza? 

The influenza virus causes flu and produces multiple symptoms, including fever, sore throats, head and body pains, and respiratory issues that can be rather severe. Monsoon is the peak season for flu cases in India, and it is one of the most prevalent infectious illnesses. The three most prevalent kinds of influenza that infect humans are A, B, and C influenza strains, and influenza A and B have more severe symptoms. Influenza C doesn't have severe symptoms, its annual case count is rather constant, and it is also not seasonal.  

Contact with an infected person, whether direct or indirect, can spread the influenza virus, and those who are in close contact with someone who is coughing, sneezing, or talking can immediately get the seasonal flu. Droplets from the infected person have the potential to land on your hands or travel through the air and enter your mouth or nose, and after that, the flu virus spreads inside you. 

You can also get the flu after touching a surface that has been exposed to the flu virus and then touching your face, nose, mouth, or eyes. Influenza common cold symptoms often overlap, and that’s why you need to remain vigilant in identifying the influenza symptoms since it can cause serious health issues if left untreated. 

What is the Common Cold?

Common colds inflame the membranes of the nose and throat, and any of more than 200 viruses can cause it. However, most colds are caused by rhinoviruses, and it is highly infectious because when a sick individual coughs or sneezes, the virus spreads by airborne droplets. When someone else inhales the droplets, they catch the common cold. 

The symptoms of a cold often appear two to three days after the virus enters the body, and its symptoms linger for a few days to a few weeks depending on the patient. The symptoms of a common cold might mimic those of other illnesses, especially those of influenza, and if your symptoms are severe, always get a diagnosis from your healthcare provider.

Influenza Vs Common Cold 

Since many symptoms of the influenza common cold are similar, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two. Both have an impact on your upper respiratory system and are common throughout the rainy season, but different viruses cause the flu and colds. While many types of viruses can produce common colds, only the influenza virus can cause flu. 

The primary distinction between the flu and the common cold is that the former is more likely to cause chills and high fever, however, adults seldom get a high fever from a common cold. Flu symptoms cold symptoms also differ when it comes to body pain, and body pains caused by the flu are more intense than those of a cold. 

A cold is generally benign and goes away on its own, but occasionally, it can cause a secondary illness, such as an ear or throat infection. But the flu can cause serious complications, including pneumonia or, in certain cases, death. 

Symptoms   

Flu Symptoms

Compared to a cold, flu symptoms are typically more severe, and the illness often lasts longer and strikes unexpectedly. Usually, the first few days are when symptoms are worst, but it may take many weeks for you to fully recover. The most common flu symptoms include: 

• Fever 
• Chills
• Cough 
• Body ache
• Exhaustion 

Cold symptoms

Typically, the onset of cold symptoms occurs over a few days and the symptoms last for a few days to a few weeks. A cold can strike at any time of the year, however the rainy season is when they occur most frequently. These are the most common cold symptoms that people suffer from: 

• Sneezing
• Runny nose 
• Body pain
• Cough
• Sore throat 

Treatment

Flu Treatment 

In certain situations, doctors can use antiviral drugs to treat the flu as antivirals can decrease the duration of your sickness and lower your chance of developing a serious condition. Antivirals are generally prescribed if you have had seasonal flu symptoms for less than 48 hours. If the patient possesses an underlying sickness or runs the danger of becoming seriously unwell, antivirals may still be prescribed by doctors even if the symptoms have persisted for more than 48 hours. If you are pregnant and experience flu symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately because typically the symptoms are more severe in pregnancy 

Common Cold Treatment 

Cold has no known treatment, and it will be cured after it runs its course. The majority of colds clear up on their own in seven to ten days and don't worsen, but you may use over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to manage symptoms and provide comfort while you recover. 

How to Prevent Common Cold and Influenza Infection? 

There is some difference when it comes to influenza vs common cold prevention methods. Getting the flu shot annually is the most effective method of avoiding influenza because the vaccine instructs your immune system to identify and combat viruses before they cause illness. It is important to get vaccinated against the influenza virus each year since it has the potential to mutate slightly. Vaccination also lowers your chance of developing a serious illness, even if you get a different strain of the flu than what is included in the vaccine.  

Other strategies work well to prevent both cold and flu symptoms, and you should practice them at all times. Use soap and water to often wash your hands, or you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in place of soap and water if that suits you better. When you cough or sneeze, always cover your mouth and nose, and instead of using your bare hand to cover your mouth, use your elbow or a tissue while you cough or sneeze. Refrain from touching your lips, nose, eyes, or face without washing your hands, and never share food or cutlery with other people to prevent infection.  

Final Remarks 

Influenza and common colds are caused by different viruses, and the symptoms of these diseases vary. The primary distinction is that the flu may present with more severe symptoms and is more likely to result in hospitalization and significant health problems, while the common cold usually goes away on its own. Both the flu and the common cold often have rather minor symptoms that individuals may generally treat at home, but it's crucial to contact your doctor if symptoms start to get worse. If you have any chronic illess, like chronic kidney ailment, chronic liver ailment, chronic cough, asthma, even mild flu can evolve into a rapidly progressive potentially fatal condition.