Rhume
Rhume vs. Grippe
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It is sometimes very hard to differentiate between the common cold and the flu/influenza. Both are respiratory illnesses with common symptoms. The following table outlines distinctive features of each illness in hopes to provide clarity to their difference.
Common Cold | Influenze | |
Causes | Over 200 viruses including rhinovirus (accounts for the majority of cases) | Three strands of the influence virus (A, B and C) |
Symptoms |
- Sore Throat |
- Sudden fever or feeling feverish |
Treatment | Over-the-counter medicine | Antivirual prescription medications |
Prevention | - Wash your hands properly and often - Stay away from others when you are sick or they are sick - Stay in shape, eat well and get enough sleep |
- Get the flu shot - Wash your hands properly and often - Stay away from others when you are sick or they are sick |
Approximate Length of Illness | 1 - 2 weeks | A few days to under two weeks |
Complications (pneumonia, bronchitis, etc) | Less common | More common |
In general, the flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more severe in flu as opposed to the common cold symptom of a runny or stuffy nose.
The following table outlines the severity of certain common symptoms of the flu and cold.
Symptom | Common Cold | Flu |
Sore Throat | Common | Common |
Cough | Common | Dry cough |
Runny nose | Common | Common |
Feeling tired | Mild | Common |
Sneezing | Common | Common |
Headache | Mild | Common |
Soreness and achy muscles | Mild | Common |
Fever | May occur in infants and young children | Common |
Chills | Uncommon | Common |
1. Rhinovirus. (2011). Retrieved July 22, 2014, from, http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/rhinovirus-eng.php 2. Cold Versus Flu. (2013). Retrieved July 22, 2014, from, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm