Here are common misconceptions between the common cold and the flu:
Flu and cold viruses are the same
The flu is caused by influenza viruses, but the common cold can be caused by a variety of viruses, most notably rhinoviruses.
The flu is just a bad cold
Both are viral infections, but caused by distinct viruses. The flu, also known as “Influenza,” is usually more severe, causing a high fever, body pains, and exhaustion, and can lead to complications such as pneumonia. Colds are usually milder and don’t cause major health problems.
You can tell the difference between cold and flu based on symptoms alone
Although the symptoms of the flu are more severe—such as fever, body pains, and fast onset—they greatly overlap with those of the cold, such as coughing and sneezing, making it challenging to distinguish between the two without testing.
If you have a fever, it’s the flu, not a cold
Although fever is more commonly associated with the flu, colds can sometimes generate low-grade fevers, particularly in youngsters.
Both the flu and cold can be treated with antibiotics
Antibiotics cannot treat the flu or the common cold because they are caused by viruses rather than bacteria. Antibiotics are ineffective until a bacterial problem arises.
The flu shot can give you the flu
The flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. The vaccination contains an inactivated virus or a protein from the virus that cannot cause sickness. Some people may experience minor side effects like as discomfort or a low fever, but this is not the flu.
You don’t need a flu vaccine if you’re healthy
Even healthy people can acquire the flu and have significant consequences. Vaccination is suggested for everybody above the age of six months to help decrease the spread of the disease and safeguard vulnerable groups.
You can catch the flu from being cold or wet
Cold weather does not trigger the flu; viruses do. However, flu season tends to begin in the colder months because people spend more time indoors, where viruses can spread more quickly.
Addressing these misconceptions helps people understand the key differences and encourages appropriate preventive measures and ensure proper treatment hence improving overall health outcomes. Accurate knowledge empowers people to take the right precautions and seek timely care.