Cold is the most common infectious disease in the world. Influenza is a disease very similar to the flu, sometimes the symptoms are the same, but often greater intensity and duration. They appear mostly in autumn and winter. Colds and flu viruses. Cold and flu viruses attack the nose, nasal sinuses, throat and upper respiratory tract (throat and lung).

Common symptoms - stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and fever occur 1-4 days after contact with the virus and last an average of 5-7 days. For cold symptoms are much milder, does not generally require special medical attention. Influenza is a serious disease whose symptoms begin suddenly and affects the whole body.

What is flu?

• Flu is a mild infection of the nose and throat, which lasts up to one week
• Caused by a virus, usually adeno and rhino viruses
• Younger children who attend kindergarten or have just started school, because of daily contact with other children and because of their immune system is not fully developed as a cold and a dozen times a year
• Older children have more developed immune system so cold in them there several times during the year
• Adults have a cold on average 2-3 times a year
• Smokers in the cold occur more often with more pronounced symptoms.

Cold symptoms

• Rhinitis
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fever occurs mainly in young children.

Complications caused by a cold

Cold symptoms usually last a few days to a maximum of one week, regardless of whether you are taking medication or not. If you have asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, common symptoms may worsen and last for several weeks, even though the flu has passed.

In otherwise healthy people are complications caused by cold are rare. In susceptible individuals may occur sinusitis or ear infections and prolong duration of coughing.

What is influenza?

• Flu or influenza is a contagious infection of the upper respiratory system caused by viruses
• There are three types of influenza virus: virus A, B or C
• Viruses are constantly changing and human body can not develop a natural immunity
• Although flu viruses circulating throughout the world, influenza occurs mostly in winter
• A and B viruses cause the flu with very severe symptoms and often causes epidemics
• Influenza C virus causes a very mild form, sometimes without symptoms
• The virus is transmitted from person to person through droplets.
Flu symptoms
In adults:
• High temperatures over 39 º C, sometimes accompanied by chills
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Exhaustion
• Cough
• Headache
• Sore throat.

How to prevent colds and flu?

While the flu can get vaccinated, flu is unfortunately very difficult to prevent. The following tips will be helpful in preventing colds and the flu:

• Avoid staying indoors where there are many people
• Avoid close contact with people who have colds or flu, especially the first two to three days
• Wash your hands often, especially after handling or contact with items that he used the sick person
• Keep your hands away from nose or eyes
• Do not use a towel used by a sick person
• If your children have a cold or flu, after the game wash their toys
• Enrich your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables
• Vaccinated against the flu.
• If you have a cold or flu, take care of others:
• Cover nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Use disposable, paper towels and discard them after use.

You may be interested in reading Home Remedies for Cold and Flu Symptoms. If you want read more Cold Relief Balm

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