Colds and flu have so many things in common that it can sometimes be difficult to tell apart. Both cold and the flu are caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. You have some of the same symptoms that you may feel uncomfortable and lazy.

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However, there are enough differences to help you identify that you have a cold or the flu. This could change the way you treat your symptoms.

With colds and flu, both respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses. But what is the real difference between colds and flu? Your symptoms are similar so it may be difficult to know which one affected you first. However, deciding what you have can make better treatment and faster improvement. First, avoid the virus with these tips that doctors use to prevent colds and flu.

How to Spot the Difference Between Cold and Flu?

There are several symptoms which can help you to identify that you have a cold or the flu including;

Symptoms of Cold:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• A sore throat

• A cough

• Sneezing

• A headache

• Body aches

• Mild tiredness

Symptoms of Flu:

• Dry, hacking cough

• Moderate to high fever

• A sore throat

• Shaking chills

• Severe muscle or body aches

• A headache

• Stuffy and runny nose

• Severe fatigue

• Nausea

• Vomiting (most common in children)

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What are the Treatments for Cold and the Flu?

Treatments for the Flu:

Most people recover completely from the flu by resting at home, although you should see your doctor if you:

• You are old (age more than 60 years)

• You are pregnant

• You have diseases like heart disease, asthma, lung disease, and diabetes or any other medical condition

• You have a weak immune system

• You have a very high fever, together with chest pain or an unusually severe headache.

• If flu is confirmed then you should get rest, drink plenty of water, and stay warm.

• You can treat the symptoms of flu by taking medicines such as paracetamol, cough syrup, and ibuprofen.

Treatments for Cold

Resting and taking proper care of yourself is normally enough to cure a cold. You should also try the following options including:

• Drink plenty of water

• Provide proper rest to your body

• Eat healthily

• You can also take medicines for treating it such as painkillers (paracetamol or aspirin), gargle with salt water, and use decongestants.

Conclusion:

It is not difficult to identify that you have a cold or the flu. For this, you only have to observe properly the symptoms associated with these diseases.  For curing these disease you just have to take proper rest and medicine.

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