In a typical year, flu season lasts from late fall to early spring, and it’s accompanied by sniffling, sneezing, coughing, exhaustion, and all the other flu symptoms.
The stringency of the illness varies from person to person, but the COVID-19 pandemic emphasizes the importance of staying protected as both of these viruses spread in the coming months.
Flu vaccines are always necessary, but they’re even more so this year to safeguard the public, particularly vulnerable groups, from contracting the virus, while COVID-19 remains a concern.
Difference Between a Common Cold and the Flu
At the initial glance, the common cold and the flu may appear to be the same thing. They’re both respiratory infections with symptoms that are comparable. These two illnesses, however, are caused by distinct viruses.h
You can identify the difference between them based on your symptoms.
There are a few symptoms that both a cold and the flu share. The following symptoms are common in those who suffer from either disease:
- a runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- pain all over the body
- tiredness
Symptoms of the flu are frequently more severe than those of the common cold.
Another key variation between the two is the seriousness with which they are taken. Colds are rarely followed by additional illnesses or problems. However, the flu can cause:
- sinusitis
- Infections in the ears
- pneumonia
- sepsis
If your signs are powerful, you should consult a doctor to determine whether you have the flu or a cold. Your healthcare provider will thoroughly run a series of tests to figure out what’s causing your symptoms.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, contact ahead to find out whether you should see a doctor in person or schedule an online appointment.
Because cold and flu symptoms overlap with COVID-19 symptoms, they should be handled with caution.
If your doctor analyzes that you are with a cold, you’ll just need to take care of your symptoms until the virus has passed. The following are examples of treatments:
- Taking cold drugs that are available over-the-counter (OTC)
- maintaining hydration
- getting enough sleep
Taking flu treatment early in the virus’s cycle can help lower the intensity of the disease and reduce the amount of time you’re unwell. For persons who have the flu, rest and fluids are also essential.
The flu, like the typical cold, can take a long time to pass through your body.
What is the Distinction Between Flu and COVID-19?
COVID-19, flu, and allergy symptoms have some overlap, although they are often distinct. The following are the most common COVID-19 symptoms:
- tiredness
- fever
- cough
- Breathing problems
- Sneezing is not a common occurrence
Fever and body aches are symptoms that are comparable to COVID-19. Shortness of breath, on the other hand, may not be a sign of the flu.
Sneezing, coughing, and wheezing are some of the more common allergy symptoms.
What are the Flu’s Signs and Symptoms?
Here are some of the flu’s most common symptoms:
Fever
A rise in body temperature is almost always a symptom of the flu. This is also referred to as a fever.
The majority of flu-related fevers range from a low-grade temperature of around 100°F (37.8°C) to a high-grade temperature of 104°F (40°C).
It’s fairly uncommon for young children to have higher fevers than adults, which is frightening. Consult your child’s doctor if you suspect he or she has the flu.
When your temperature rises, you may feel “feverish.” Chills, sweat, or feeling cold despite the fact that your body’s high temperature are all signs. The majority of fevers endure shorter than a week, usually 3 to 4 days.
Cough
With the flu, a dry, persistent cough is frequent. The cough may become more irritating and painful as it progresses.
During this time, you may have shortness of breath or chest discomfort. Coughs caused by the flu can persist for up to two weeks.
Muscle Pain
Muscle soreness from the flu is most frequent in the neck, back, arms, and legs. They are frequently severe, making it difficult to move even when performing simple duties.
Headache
A severe headache may be your first symptom of the flu. Your headache may be accompanied by symptoms such as light and sound sensitivity.
Fatigue
Tiredness is a less-obvious symptom of the illness. Feeling poorly, in general, can be a symptom of a variety of illnesses. Feelings of exhaustion and fatigue can strike suddenly and be difficult to overcome.
Know the Facts About the Flu Shot
Influenza is a dangerous virus that causes a lot of illnesses every year. To become critically ill with the flu, you don’t have to be young or have a weakened immune system. Healthy people can grab the flu and pass it on to their friends and family.
The flu can be lethal in some situations. Flu-related deaths are most common in those 65 and older, but children and young adults are also affected.
Getting a flu vaccine is a best and most effective approach to avoid getting the flu and preventing it from spreading.
The influenza vaccination comes in the following forms:
- shot that you can inject
- injectable injection with a high dose (for those over age 65)
- intradermal injection
- spray for the nose
The more individuals who get flu shots, the less likely the virus will spread. It also aids herd immunity, protecting those who are unable to receive the vaccination due to medical reasons.
If you do acquire the flu, vaccination can help to minimize the severity of the illness.
What is the Flu Shot’s Mechanism of Action?
To create the vaccine, scientists choose flu virus strains that are predicted to be the most common in the coming flu season based on studies. Vaccines containing those strains are produced in large quantities and distributed widely.
When you eventually get the flu vaccine, your body starts generating antibodies against the viral strains you’ve been exposed to. These antibodies help to protect you from the infection.
You can avoid getting the flu virus if you come into contact with it later.
If you come into contact with a different strain of the virus, you may become ill. However, because you received the immunization, the effects will be milder.
Who Should Get Vaccinated Against the Flu?
The flu vaccine is suggested for everyone over the age of six months, according to doctors. This is particularly true for persons who fall into high-risk categories, such as:
- ladies who are pregnant
- children under the age of five
- people under the age of 18 who are taking aspirin
- individuals over the age of 65
- individuals with an interesting BMI of 40 or above
- Those who work or live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- carers for any of the aforementioned
- Native Alaskans or American Indians
- someone suffering from a long-term illness
The flu vaccine should be received before the end of October, according to most experts. This gives your body enough time to generate the necessary antibodies before flu season begins.
It’s actually not too late if you don’t get your flu shot by October 31. Even though flu season is already underway, getting a flu shot is always a good idea.
Antibodies against the flu take roughly two weeks to develop following immunization.
Both flu and the new coronavirus, COVID-19, are expected to spread this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result, vaccination will be more critical than ever.
The Flu Shot’s Side Effects
Many people say they avoid getting the flu vaccine every year because they are afraid it would make them sick. It’s critical to understand that the flu vaccine will not cause you to get sick.
You will not fall ill as a result of receiving the vaccine. The flu vaccine contains a dead virus. These strains aren’t powerful enough to make you sick.
The flu shot, like other vaccines, may have certain negative effects. These noticeable side effects are usually minor and only linger for a short time. The risks of getting the virus via a vaccine exceed the risks of getting the flu later.
The following are the most common flu shot side effects:
- a throbbing pain surrounding the injection location
- In the days following the injection, you may experience a low-grade temperature
- slight stiffness and pains
Any side effects that do usually appear only last a day or two. Many folks will have no negative side effects at all.
Some people may materialize serious allergic reactions to the immunization in rare instances. Consult your doctor if you’ve ever experienced an adverse response to a vaccine or medicine.
What is the Duration of the Flu?
The flu usually lasts around a week for most people. However, it may take several days for you to feel like yourself again. After your flu symptoms have passed, it’s not uncommon to feel exhausted for several days.
It’s critical to stay home from school or work until your fever has subsided for at least 1440 minutes (without the use of fever-reducing drugs).
A day before your symptoms develop and up to 5–7 days afterward, you can spread the flu to another person.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, if you have any cold or flu symptoms, you should separate yourself while getting tested and continue to maintain excellent hygiene, such as:
- you should wash your hands
- disinfecting places with a lot of contacts
- donning a face shield
- avoiding social interaction
