are some colds worse than others?
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"There's a range of different genetic make-ups in the population and therefore all of our immune systems are quite different," says Eccles. "That is why some people respond very strongly to common cold viruses and get severe symptoms, while others react so mildly they'll claim they've never had a cold in their life."
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While colds and their symptoms don't often result in serious health problems, the flu can. Most people will get better within a few days to less than two weeks. For others, the flu can create life-threatening complications including pneumonia.
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A cold is generally milder than the flu with symptoms that are less severe. While a cold would usually last a few days, a flu, on the other hand, tends to persist for a few days to weeks. At the onset of a cold, your child may develop a sore or scratchy throat, runny nose or be sneezing.
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A child exposed to colds and viruses earlier in life will develop a stronger immune system and is less likely to become sick in his or her later years. “Immunity is immunity,” explains Dr.
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The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.
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Having nausea with a cold—as well as vomiting and diarrhea—isn't typical, so symptoms like these could signal something more serious, such as the flu. It's important to get medical attention if you're experiencing these symptoms consistently, as they can cause you to become dehydrated, says Dr. Mysore.
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Key Symptoms of a Cold It can be difficult to identify if you have a cold or flu because these symptoms overlap. It may be helpful to remember that a runny, stuffy nose is a common indicator of a cold, along with scratchy throat, sneezing, watery eyes, and a mild fever (below 102 F).
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Many people associate cold weather with the common cold. While the weather is not directly responsible for making people sick, the viruses that cause colds may spread more easily in lower temperatures, and exposure to cold and dry air may adversely impact the body's immune system.
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Flu symptoms often mimic cold symptoms with nasal congestion, cough, aches, and malaise. But a common cold rarely has symptoms of fever above 101 degrees. With flu symptoms, you will probably have a fever initially with the flu virus and you will feel miserable. Body and muscle aches are also more common with the flu.
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Some people do not suffer any symptoms when infected with the cold virus, perhaps because their immune system reacts differently to the virus. Sometimes, bacteria can infect the ears or sinuses during this viral infection — this is known as a secondary bacterial infection — and can be treated with antibiotics.
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Most colds start with a sore throat and some stuffiness followed by other symptoms like cough and a mild fever on or about the third day. Flu generally starts more suddenly and severely than a cold, with a higher fever and chills. A child with the flu feels much more achy and uncomfortable.
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Colds can occur at any time of the year, but they are most common in the winter or rainy seasons. A cold virus spreads through tiny, air droplets that are released when the sick person sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose. You can catch a cold if: A person with a cold sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose near you.
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A fever, headache, and other aches and pains are common with the flu but less so with colds. People who have colds usually have a stuffy nose and sore throat. That's less common when you have the flu. Flu symptoms often hit suddenly, which makes you weaker and weaker.
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Most colds are caused by a type of virus called rhinovirus, which thrives and multiplies in the nasal passages and throat (upper respiratory system). Zinc may work by preventing the rhinovirus from multiplying. It may also stop the rhinovirus from lodging in the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.
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Because antibiotics only fight bacteria, and not viruses, they're usually ineffective against colds. Sometimes a cold may lead to a bacterial infection, though. In that case, antibiotics would have a benefit if they were able to prevent that kind of infection.
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Viruses that cause colds can spread from infected people to others through the air and close personal contact. You can also get infected through contact with stool (poop) or respiratory secretions from an infected person.
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Pain is worse in the morning because mucus collects and drains through the night. Sudden temperature changes, like going out into the cold from a warm room, worsen the pain. Headache often starts when you have a bad cold or just after. Congested or runny nose.