Differences in Symptoms of Influenza and Selesma that Need to Be Known

YOGYAKARTA - Many people consider influenza and colds to be the same disease. Both of them are attacking the respiratory tract and can cause coughing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and sore throat. However, understanding the difference between influenza and cold symptoms is very important so that a person can determine the most appropriate treatment steps.

In general, influenza or flu usually appears suddenly with more severe symptoms. Selesma or common cold tends to develop slowly and the symptoms are milder. The CDC explains that the flu is usually more severe than the common cold, with more intense symptoms and coming more suddenly. On the other hand, people with colds often have a runny nose or stuffy nose.

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. This disease can cause mild to severe complaints, especially in children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with comorbidities. Symptoms of influenza usually include fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, cough, sore throat, weakness, and feeling very tired. Mayo Clinic also explains that the flu tends to come quickly, usually within two to three days after a person is exposed to the virus.

The hallmark of influenza is that the body feels very uncomfortable. Sufferers often feel powerless, find it difficult to get around, and need more rest. Fever in influenza is also more common, although not everyone who gets the flu necessarily has a fever.

What is Selesma?

A cold is a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract. This condition can be caused by various types of viruses. Symptoms usually start slowly, for example, the throat feels uncomfortable, sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, mild cough, and mild fatigue. Mayo Clinic mentions that colds are generally characterized by a gradual onset, sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and mild to moderate fatigue.

A cold rarely causes severe conditions in healthy people. The sufferer can usually still be active, although they still need to rest to recover faster. Cold complaints often feel annoying, but generally not as severe as influenza.

The main difference lies in the speed of the onset of symptoms and their severity. Influenza usually comes on suddenly. A person can feel healthy in the morning, then have a fever, body aches, and severe weakness in the afternoon or evening. Selesma usually appears slowly, starting with an uncomfortable nose, sneezing, or a sore throat.

In terms of fever, influenza more often causes high fever or chills. Selsema rarely causes high fever in adults. In terms of body pain, influenza more often causes pain, muscle pain, and headaches that are quite disturbing. Selsema usually only causes mild malaise.

Cough can appear in both. However, the cough in influenza often feels heavier and can be accompanied by fatigue. In colds, coughing is usually milder and often appears with a runny nose, sneezing, or a stuffy nose. The NHS also explains that the symptoms of colds and flu are similar, but flu tends to be heavier than colds.

When should you be more vigilant?

Understanding the difference between flu and cold symptoms does not mean that a person can confirm a diagnosis only from symptoms. The CDC emphasizes that flu and cold symptoms can overlap, making it difficult to distinguish them based on symptoms alone.

Medical examination is necessary if symptoms are getting worse, shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever does not improve, the body is very weak, or the patient is included in the risk group. Small children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with immune disorders should consult a health worker sooner.

How to Take Care of Yourself at Home

In mild symptoms, initial treatment can be done with adequate rest, drinking water, eating nutritious food, and avoiding heavy activity. Over-the-counter drugs can help relieve fever, pain, cough, or nasal congestion according to the rules of use. Antibiotics are not used to treat the common cold or flu because both are generally caused by viruses.

Prevention is also important. Washing hands, wearing masks when sick, covering the mouth when coughing, keeping distance from sick people, and maintaining body resistance can help reduce the risk of transmission. Influenza vaccination can also be a preventive measure, especially for groups that are prone to complications.

The difference between the symptoms of influenza and colds can be recognized from the pattern of the appearance and severity of the symptoms. Influenza usually comes suddenly, is heavier, often accompanied by fever, body aches, headaches, and extreme fatigue. Colds usually appear slowly, are milder, and are more dominant causing a cold, sneezing, stuffy nose, and mild sore throat.

Recognizing the difference helps a person take the right treatment steps. A medical examination is still necessary if symptoms are severe, do not improve, or occur in a group at risk. Also know Doctor Kanya's Story Facing Severe Influenza Cases in Children

So after knowing the difference between the symptoms of influenza and colds, check out other interesting news at VOI.ID, it's time to revolutionize the news!