Cold vs. flu
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious disease that's caused by a virus.
Flu symptoms
The flu typically comes with a fever that can last three to four days. A fever is defined by an oral body temperature reading that's higher than 38C/100F. Aches and muscle pain, especially in the back and legs, are also evidence of the flu. If you're battling the flu, you might find yourself in a state of general fatigue. The flu lasts about 10 days.
Common cold symptoms
A cold, if it is also caused by a virus, is only rarely accompanied by high fever and aches. Rather, it is marked by severe nasal congestion, along with sneezing and a sore throat at its onset. Cold symptoms typically diminish in five to seven days. Complications from the flu are responsible for about 8,000 deaths each year in Canada, so it's important to be vaccinated if you're at risk for developing severe complications from the flu.
Most vulnerable to the dangers of the flu: High-risk groups
You're at risk for being unable to fend off the flu if you're:
-60 or older
-Living in a health care facility
-Managing such chronic illnesses as diabetes, cancer or anemia
-Fighting chronic heart or lung disease
Getting a flu shot won't keep you from coming down with an occasional cold, but it can help your body to fight off certain strains of the flu.
Fighting off a cold or flu? Here's help:
-Natural cold and flu relief
-Brand vs. generic cold medication
-Hand-washing 101
Flu symptoms
The flu typically comes with a fever that can last three to four days. A fever is defined by an oral body temperature reading that's higher than 38C/100F. Aches and muscle pain, especially in the back and legs, are also evidence of the flu. If you're battling the flu, you might find yourself in a state of general fatigue. The flu lasts about 10 days.
Common cold symptoms
A cold, if it is also caused by a virus, is only rarely accompanied by high fever and aches. Rather, it is marked by severe nasal congestion, along with sneezing and a sore throat at its onset. Cold symptoms typically diminish in five to seven days. Complications from the flu are responsible for about 8,000 deaths each year in Canada, so it's important to be vaccinated if you're at risk for developing severe complications from the flu.
Most vulnerable to the dangers of the flu: High-risk groups
You're at risk for being unable to fend off the flu if you're:
-60 or older
-Living in a health care facility
-Managing such chronic illnesses as diabetes, cancer or anemia
-Fighting chronic heart or lung disease
Getting a flu shot won't keep you from coming down with an occasional cold, but it can help your body to fight off certain strains of the flu.
Fighting off a cold or flu? Here's help:
-Natural cold and flu relief
-Brand vs. generic cold medication
-Hand-washing 101
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