COLD and FLU are not the same

Naija no dey carry last sha. Some of us don't know the difference between cold and flu and when we are trying to 'form' we just say 'I gat flu' even if it's cold, as long as we feel sick and have a runny nose.

Well cold and flu are not the same same though common cold and flu (influenza) are both upper respiratory infections caused by virus, they are quite different.

The differences and similarities between them are:

* Flu gives rise to a high fever; a cold may give rise to a mild fever

* A Flu usually start with a dry throat and nose making your voice to 'crack'; a cold usually starts with a runny nose

* Flus can cause muscle pain to the whole body; colds affect the nose and throat

* Flus may lead to severe exhaustion; colds can cause mild exhaustion

* A flu can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia, so is considered much more serious (dangerous) than a common cold

* Both infections are highly contagious and can be caught from close contact with someone who has the virus, for example breathing in droplets of air when someone coughs or sneezes but don't run away like it's Ebola.

* It's difficult to avoid catching colds and the flu so when you come into contact with someone with an infection avoid sharing things they may have used, such as handkerchiefs, clean shared surfaces such as door handles, and wash hands regularly.

   I've had flu and cold, so I know it is nothing so 'dangerous' if well taken care of.

Treatment for cold and flu includes:

Bed rest (I'm not saying you should 'stay on bed' all day, but try to have some rest and don't get stressed)

Drinking lots of fluids (avoid cold WATER, especially if you gat sore throat), it keeps the body hydrated and reducess those 'gbagaun gbagaun' headaches. *I take naturally fruit juice*

Taking paracetamol (for flu) to manage aches, pains and fever. Also taking paracetamol for cold if it leads to mild fever.

Warm drinks and lozenges to soothe a sore throat.

You could visit a doctor, to prescribe antiviral medication for the flu, but they need to be given early in the illness to be effective.

Stay healthy

Duru Brian