Cold and “flu” are the two most common and frequent seasonal illness.

Millions of people throughout the world suffer from them every year. Children and the elderly are the groups most likely to contract them. The two diseases are very similar; both are viral infections of the respiratory tract, and both share common symptoms. Therefore, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them.

The main difference between influenza, or flu, and cold is that flu symptoms are more severe.
Symptoms may appear suddenly, at an already rather severe stage (high fever, extreme fatigue, etc.). Cold symptoms are less severe and come on more gradually.

Influenza may lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia. This usually happens in people at higher risk, such as the elderly or those with existing chronic conditions. With a cold, there are generally no serious complications; the most frequent is the development of sinusitis (sinus infection or inflammation which requires a doctor's care).

Both colds and influenza are recurrent diseases, and they can reappear more than once in the same year. Adults may have from one to three bouts of flu a year, and the same amount for colds. Children can contract even more, from six to ten colds a year.

Did You Know?

The Virus
There are over 200 different viruses that cause "the common cold." While you may develop
a resistance to some of these viruses, contact with others could still cause a new cold.
This is why doctors say there is no "cure" for the common cold.

Number of illnesses
The average person contracts 2.4 respiratory illnesses per year.

Causes
Your body's resistance to contracting a cold is not affected by being wet or "chilled."
Catching a cold is not related to cold temperatures or bad weather. The common cold
is also unrelated to factors such as exercise, diet, enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

Cold Season
The "Cold Season" usually lasts from September to March. 80% of all annual colds
are contracted during this time period; however, summer colds are also common.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not effective against cold and flu viruses.

How to Help Prevent Colds
Once outside the nasal passages, the cold virus can survive up to three hours on
inanimate objects and skin.

Clean environmental surfaces with a germ-killing disinfectant.

Hand washing is the easiest and most effective way to keep from catching a cold.

Not touching your nose or eyes and avoiding close, prolonged exposure to cold
sufferers are other effective ways.

Symptoms
Cold symptoms usually begin 2 to 3 days after infection and can last from 7 to 14 days.
Two-thirds of people recover in a week.You are most contagious from the second to
fourth days of infection.

Relief
To help your body fight the common cold, rest in bed, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with
warm salt water and use aspirin or another pain reliever to relieve headache or fever.
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