Unfortunately, we have not yet gotten rid of Covid and now autumn has also begun: the season in which colds and flu appear. The clinical picture and symptoms of colds, flu and Covid are similar. However, the diseases are not the same and there are differences. Are you not feeling well and not sure if you have one of these diseases? In this article we will help you recognize the differences between colds, flu and Covid.
The cold virus
You don’t catch a cold from the cold. Otherwise people in cold areas would always catch a cold. You catch a cold from a cold virus. There are over two hundred different viruses that can cause colds. These viruses spread most in the fall and winter. This is because we spend a lot of time indoors and generally sit close to each other and transfer viruses to each other more easily.
Symptoms of a cold
With a cold, the mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses and throat become inflamed. You usually have a stuffy or runny nose. Do you have a stuffy nose? Then it can nasal spray helps reduce symptoms. Other ailments that often occur are sore throat, sneezing, coughing, hoarseness, and a rise in temperature. Fortunately, you don’t usually have a fever.
The flu
The flu usually comes on suddenly and is severe. You get it from the flu virus. The symptoms are similar to those of a cold, but in reality they are always accompanied by fever and body aches. Other common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, joint pain, and nausea.
Most people get over it well. But especially the elderly, people who are seriously or chronically ill or have low weight resistence can get very sick. The most common complications are bronchitis and pneumonia. Sometimes there is also a fungal infection. It is important that these complications are treated quickly.
Just like with a cold, there is no cure for the flu, you have to cure it. With a flu shot, you reduce the chances of having it. This protects you from the four most common species at the time.
Covid
Covid is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. That is why it is popularly called the crown. Corona symptoms are similar to those of colds and flu, namely increased or fever, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose. Just like with a cold, you can also temporarily lose your sense of smell and / or taste.
Anyone can contract Covid. But even with this virus, especially the elderly, the chronically or severely ill, and people with reduced resistance run a greater risk of becoming seriously ill. Corona can, for example, cause thrombosis, blood poisoning, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. As with the flu, pneumonia can be accompanied by a fungal infection. There is still no cure for the coronavirus. You can get vaccinated against it just like with the flu. This way you are usually better protected against it.
Challenge yourself
Because the symptoms are similar, it is sometimes difficult to determine if you have a cold influence are or have been affected by Covid. It is therefore advisable to perform a corona test if in doubt. You don’t have the crown, but still have lingering complaints? Then consult your doctor. They may be able to help you get rid of your complaints as quickly as possible.
