In contrast to the flu, a common cold can be caused by many different types of viruses. The condition is generally harmless and symptoms usually resolve within two weeks. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing and congestion. High fever or severe symptoms are reasons to see a doctor, especially in children.
What’s the difference between a cold and the flu
The common cold and the flu may seem similar at first. They’re both respiratory illnesses and can cause similar symptoms. But different viruses cause these two conditions. cold and the flu share a few common symptoms.
body aches
runny or stuffy nose
sneezing
general fatigue
symptoms of the flu
The flu causes an increase in your body temperature. This is also known as a fever. Most flu-related fevers range from a low-grade fever around 100°F (37.8°C) to as high as 104°F (40°C). Although alarming, it’s not uncommon for young children to have higher fevers than adults. If you suspect your child has the flu, see your doctor.
symptoms of the Cough
persistent cough is common with the flu. The cough may worsen, becoming uncomfortable and painful. You may also experience shortness of breath or chest discomfort during this time. Many flu-related coughs can last for about two weeks.
effects of the flu
most common side effects of the flu:
mild aches and stiffness
soreness around the flu shot injection site
low-grade fever in the days immediately following the injection
Treatment
Treatment include:
Treat symptoms such as headache and fever with OTC medications.
Drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, soup, and low-sugar flavored drinks.
Wash your hands to prevent spreading the virus to other surfaces or to other people in your house.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues. Immediately dispose of those tissues.Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues. Immediately dispose of those tissues.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
How is the virus transmitted
Current estimates of the incubation period of the virus range from 2–10 days, but more information about the mode of transmission is needed to confirm this. Experts are also still unclear whether transmission can occur from asymptomatic individuals or during the incubation period.
To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the public should follow standard infection prevention recommendations including regular hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Where possible, people should avoid close contact with persons showing symptoms of respiratory illness, including coughing and sneezing.
What are the symptoms
Doctors are learning new things about this virus every day. So far we know that COVID-19 may not initially cause any symptoms.
You may carry the virus for 2 days or up to 2 weeks
Some common symptoms that have been specifically linked to the 2019 coronavirus include:
feeling short of breath.
having a cough that gets more severe over time.
a low-grade fever that gradually increases in temperature.
The main symptoms that have been specifically linked to the 2019 coronavirus include:
COVID-19 versus the flu:-
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to that of the influenza (flu) virus.
some common symptoms of a flu infection:
runny or stuffy nose.
cough.
sneezing.
sore throat.
fever.headache.
fatigue.
chills.
body aches.
What causes coronaviruses
Coronaviruses are zoonotic. This means they first develop in animals before developing in humans.
Once the virus develops in people, coronaviruses can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. This is a technical name for the wet stuff that moves through the air when you cough or sneeze.
The viral material hangs out in these droplets and can be breathed into the respiratory tract (your windpipe and lungs), where the virus can then lead to an infection.The 2019 coronavirus hasn’t been definitively linked to a specific animal.
Increased risk
Washing your hands and disinfecting surfaces can help decrease your risk for catching this or other viruses.
How are coronaviruses diagnosed.
The 2019 coronavirus can be diagnosed similarly to other viral infections: using a blood, saliva, or tissue sample.
Talk to your doctor right away if you think you have a coronavirus infection, especially if you’ve traveled to China in the past 14 days. Your doctor will speak to local public health officials to provide guidance on whether testing for the virus is needed.
A lab technician will either draw a sample of your blood with a needle or use a cotton swab to take a small sample of saliva or respiratory secretions from your nose or the back of your throat.
treatments
There’s currently no treatment specifically approved for the 2019 coronavirus, and no cure for an infection, although treatments and vaccines are currently under study. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms as the virus runs its course.
Seek immediate medical help if you think you have COVID-19. Than your doctor will recommend treatment for any symptoms
Other coronaviruses like SARS and MERS do have vaccines and treatments. Some treatments for these similar viruses include:
