Attention risk of confusion: A cold or influenza?

They can easily attack you, especially during the colder months: pathogens leading to a sore throat, coughs, sniffles and other irritating symptoms. However, the exact cause can be easily confused: Is it a cold or influenza?

When we speak of “the flu” we usually mean a cold. The infection is expressed as a slight to moderate feeling of illness and usually begins with a raw or slightly sore throat. As the cold progresses, these symptoms are accompanied by a headache and aching limbs, fatigue, exhaustion, a stuffy nose and ultimately a cough. A slight fever may also occur, but usually only for a short period.

In the so-called “real” influenza, the symptoms are similar, but much more sudden and severe. In addition to a sore throat, cough, headache and aching limbs, as well as significantly increased fatigue, weakness and exhaustion, those affected usually suffer from high fever (at least 38°C), which usually lasts longer than three days. Influenza can also affect the digestive tract, resulting in nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Good to know: Although influenza and colds differ in the severity of their symptoms, they can be clearly distinguished by the responsible pathogens: Influenza is triggered by influenza viruses1 of types A or B, whereas colds can be triggered by more than 200 different types of viruses, e.g. rhinoviruses.

What to do against the Flu & Co.?

Once we have caught these pathogens, most of us want to know: How do I get rid of my cold as quickly as possible? Obviously, the same also applies to the “real” flu.