The main virus of the cold is rhinovirus

A cold is usually not a big problem, but if a cough lasts long or symptoms worsen, it can develop into another illness, so caution is needed. If you catch colds frequently, it may be worth considering ways to boost your immunity.

Colds that occur frequently in winter are mainly caused by viruses, with rhinovirus being the most representative. This virus primarily affects the nose and throat, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, mild cough, and a feeling of something in the throat.

Generally, a cold starts slowly, initially causing a slight scratchy throat or fatigue, followed by gradual onset of nasal congestion or runny nose. There may be a slight fever, but it does not spike suddenly like the flu. Usually, it is below 38 degrees, just a mild fever. These symptoms typically improve within 7 days, but cough or runny nose may last a bit longer.

There is no specific treatment for a cold, so the main goal is symptom relief. If the cough is severe, cough medicine is used; if nasal congestion is severe, nasal spray is used; and for a sore throat, gargling with warm water or using pain relievers can help alleviate the pain.

Ultimately, when you catch a cold, you have to rely on your immunity to overcome it, so adequate rest and hydration are important for symptom relief and quick recovery.

The flu is caused by the influenza virus

The flu is caused by a specific virus called influenza virus, and its symptoms are much stronger and start suddenly compared to a cold.

When you have the flu, you feel extremely fatigued, and the pain feels more intense.

• High fever (above 38 degrees)
• Severe fatigue (your whole body aches, and you feel tired even after sleeping)
• Muscle pain and headache (pain caused by the battle between the virus and the immune system)
  
• Cough or sore throat are also common.
• Sometimes vomiting or diarrhea may also occur.

The flu appears suddenly and feels really painful, and these symptoms can last for about a week. Unlike a cold, the flu has a high risk of complications, so it needs to be taken more seriously. For example, pneumonia or bronchitis can develop, making it particularly dangerous for those with weakened immune systems. A characteristic of the flu is its high contagiousness. It spreads easily when coughing or sneezing and can also be transmitted through the air.

Getting a flu vaccine is the most effective prevention method. Every year, new vaccines are released, and since the flu virus changes slightly each year, vaccinations should be adjusted accordingly. The vaccine cannot prevent the flu 100%, but it is effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and complications if you do get sick.

The flu can be treated with antiviral medications. Drugs like Tamiflu are representative, and they work best if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. Additionally, adequate rest and hydration are important. Since your body becomes very fatigued, it is crucial to rest well during this time.

Ultimately, since the flu can accompany serious symptoms, preventing it in advance is the most important, and it should not be taken lightly like a cold. It is also important to note that flu complications are a common cause of death among the elderly.