Flu - Cold and Influenza · ঠান্ডা ও ফ্লু (ইনফ্লুয়েঞ্জা)

Cold vs flu: what's the difference?

A cold usually starts gradually with a runny nose, sore throat and mild symptoms, and rarely causes a high fever. The flu often starts suddenly with high fever, body aches, chills and severe tiredness. Both are caused by viruses and spread through droplets and contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of these viral illnesses include:

• Runny or blocked nose, sneezing and sore throat (more typical of a cold)
• Sudden high fever, chills and body aches (more typical of flu)
• Cough, headache and tiredness
• Flu often causes severe fatigue that can last several days

Causes and risk factors

Colds are usually caused by rhinoviruses and the flu by influenza viruses. They spread easily in crowded places and during seasonal changes. Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illness or weak immunity are at higher risk of severe flu.

Diagnosis

Most colds and flu are diagnosed from symptoms alone and do not need tests. A doctor may do a rapid flu test or other checks if symptoms are severe, if you are in a high-risk group, or to rule out other infections.

Treatment

Most cases are managed at home with rest, fluids and simple symptom relief. Antibiotics do not work against these viruses. A doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine for flu in high-risk people, ideally early in the illness. Use any medicine only as advised.

Prevention

Wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid close contact with sick people and keep surfaces clean. An annual flu vaccine is recommended, especially for high-risk groups, to reduce the chance of severe illness.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, a very high or persistent fever, confusion, or if symptoms last more than about 10 days or suddenly get worse. High-risk groups should seek advice early when flu symptoms start.