The Differences Between a Cold and the Flu: Symptoms, Stages, and Treatments
Cold and flu season is upon us, and for many people, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Both a cold and the flu are respiratory illnesses, and they share some similar symptoms, such as a runny nose and a sore throat. However, there are important differences between the two that it is crucial to be aware of, to properly treat and manage each condition.
In this article, we will explore the differences between a cold and the flu, including the symptoms and stages of each illness, as well as the available treatments.
What Is a Cold?
A cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose, sinuses, and throat. The common cold is caused by a variety of different viruses, the most common of which is the rhinovirus. Colds are very common, and most people will experience a cold at least once a year.
Wind-Heat and Wind-Cold
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), wind-heat refers to a condition that is characterized by symptoms such as fever, coughing, and a sore throat. Wind-cold refers to a condition that is characterized by symptoms such as chills, body aches, and a runny nose. Both conditions are thought to be caused by an invasion of external pathogenic factors, such as wind and heat or wind and cold, which disrupt the balance of the body and lead to the development of symptoms.
In TCM, wind-cold and wind-heat are both considered to be types of the common cold and are often treated with herbal remedies and other modalities, such as acupuncture and cupping. The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual and the severity of their symptoms.
The Symptoms of a Cold
The symptoms of a cold are typically milder than those of the flu and may include a runny nose, congestion, and a sore throat. Other symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, and a low-grade fever. In general, the symptoms of a cold will develop gradually over a period of several days, and will typically peak after three to five days.
The Stages of a Cold
The stages of a cold can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. However, in general, a cold will progress through the following stages:
The First Stage
The first stage of a cold isthe incubation period, during which the virus is replicating and you are not yet experiencing any symptoms. This stage can last for several days and is often followed by the onset of symptoms.
The Second Stage
The second stage of a cold is the prodromal stage, during which you begin to experience the first symptoms of the infection. This may include a runny nose, congestion, and a sore throat.
The Third Stage
The third stage of a cold is the acute stage, during which the symptoms of the infection are at their worst. This may include a high fever, body aches, and severe fatigue.
The Fourth Stage
The fourth stage of a cold is the convalescent stage, during which the symptoms of the infection begin to gradually improve. This stage can last for several days and may be followed by a period of feeling tired and weak.
In general, a cold will last for seven to ten days, and most people will recover without any complications. However, in some cases, a cold can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
How to Treat a Cold
The treatment of a cold will depend on the stage of the infection and the severity of the symptoms. In general, the following treatments may be recommended for a cold:
During the Incubation Stage
During the incubation period, it is not possible to treat a cold, as you likely are not yet experiencing any symptoms.
Treatment
During this stage, it is important to practice good hygiene during this time, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others who are sick.
During the Prodromal Stage
During the prodromal stage, when the first symptoms of a cold are beginning to appear, over-the-counter medications and TCM supplements can be used to help relieve the symptoms. This may include decongestants, pain relievers, and throat lozenges. In addition, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms, such as exposure to cold air.
Treatment
During this stage of a cold, we recommend taking Isatis Gold and Cold Away by Health Concerns. If your cough is productive (with phlegm), we recommend Clear Air but if you have a dry cough, we recommend Lily Bulb.
During the Acute Stage
During the acute stage, when the symptoms of a cold are at their worst, it is important to continue taking supplements to help relieve the symptoms. In addition, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of the infection.
Treatment
During this stage of a cold, we recommend continuing to take Isatis Gold and Cold Away. If congestion worsens during this stage, we recommend taking Nasal Tabs 2 and for copious phlegm, we recommend Clear Phlegm.
If you develop headaches and/or body pains, we recommend Head-Q.
During the Convalescent Stage
During the convalescent stage, when the symptoms of a cold are beginning to improve, it is important to continue taking over-the-counter medications and supplements to help relieve the symptoms. In addition, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms. Most people will fully recover from a cold within seven to ten days.
Treatment
During this stage of a cold, we recommend that you continue taking Isatis Gold and Cold Away along with any other needed supplements for your specific symptoms until they are fully relieved.
Should you see a doctor if you have a cold?
In general, it is not necessary to see a doctor for a mild cold. However, if the symptoms are severe, or if you have a weakened immune system, it may be necessary to seek medical attention. In addition, it is important to see a doctor if the symptoms do not improve after seven to ten days, or if you experience any complications, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.
What Is the Flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. The flu is more severe than a cold and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death.
The Symptoms of the Flu
The symptoms of the flu can be more severe than those of a cold and may include a high fever, body aches, and fatigue. Other flu symptoms may include a runny nose, congestion, and a sore throat. In general, the symptoms of the flu will develop quickly, and will typically peak after two to three days.
The Stages of the Flu
The stages of the flu can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. However, in general, the flu will progress through the following stages:
The First Stage
The first stage of the flu is the incubation period, during which the virus is replicating and you are not yet experiencing any symptoms. This stage can last for several days and is often followed by the onset of symptoms.
The Second Stage
The second stage of the flu is the prodromal stage, during which you begin to experience the first symptoms of the infection. This may include a high fever, body aches, and fatigue.
The Third Stage
The third stage of the flu is the acute stage, during which the symptoms of the infection are at their worst. This may include a high fever, severe body aches, and extreme fatigue.
The Fourth Stage
The fourth stage of the flu is the convalescent stage, during which the symptoms of the infection begin to gradually improve. This stage can last for several days and may be followed by a period of feeling tired and weak.
In general, the flu will last for seven to ten days, and most people will recover without any complications. However, in some cases, the flu can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any severe symptoms of the flu, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain.
How to Treat the Flu
The treatment of the flu will depend on the stage of the infection and the severity of the symptoms. In general, the following treatments may be recommended for the flu:
During the Incubation Stage
During the incubation period, it is not possible to treat the flu, as you likely are not yet experiencing any symptoms.
Treatment
During this stage of the flu, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others who are sick.
During the Prodromal Stage
During the prodromal stage, when the first symptoms of the flu are beginning to appear, over-the-counter medications can be used to help relieve the symptoms. This may include decongestants, pain relievers, and throat lozenges. In addition, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms, such as exposure to cold air.
Treatment
During this stage of the flu, we recommend taking Isatis Gold and Cold Away by Health Concerns. A productive cough (a cough with phlegm) may also develop and if so, we recommend also taking Clear Air.
During the Acute Stage
During the acute stage, when the symptoms of the flu are at their worst, it is important to continue taking over-the-counter medications and supplements to help relieve the symptoms. In addition, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of the infection.
Treatment
During this stage of the flu, we recommend continuing to take Isatis Gold and Cold Away. If congestion worsens, we recommend also taking Nasal Tabs 2 and for copious phlegm, we recommend Clear Phlegm.
If you are experiencing headaches and body pains during this stage of the flu, which is common, we also recommend that you take Head-Q.
During the Convalescent Stage
During the convalescent stage, when the symptoms of the flu are beginning to improve, it is important to continue taking over-the-counter medications and supplements to help relieve the symptoms. In addition, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms. Most people will fully recover from the flu within seven to ten days.
Treatment
During this stage of the flu, we recommend that you continue taking Isatis Gold and Cold Away along with any other supplements needed to address your specific symptoms until they are fully relieved.
Should you see a doctor if you have the flu?
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any severe symptoms of the flu, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain. In addition, it is important to see a doctor if the symptoms do not improve after seven to ten days, or if you experience any complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. A doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of the infection and prevent complications.
How to Prevent Getting a Cold or the Flu
Here are 7 steps that you can take to help prevent a cold or the flu:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coming into contact with someone who is sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are feeling ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, using a tissue or the crook of your elbow.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this can spread germs.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, keyboards, and phones.
- Get a flu vaccination each year to protect against the most common strains of the flu virus.
- Practice good general health habits, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active.
These steps can help to reduce your risk of getting a cold or the flu, and can also help to prevent the spread of the illness to others.
The Best Supplements for Cold and Flu Prevention
The best supplements for cold and flu prevention are Vitamin C, probiotics, elderberry, zinc, garlic, and echinacea.
Vitamin C is known to boost the immune system and can help reduce the duration of a cold or flu.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain balance in your gut microbiome, which can aid in preventing illnesses.
Elderberry is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat colds and flu.
Zinc is an essential mineral that helps the body fight off infection, and garlic contains compounds with antiviral properties.
Lastly, echinacea is believed to help boost the immune system, helping it ward off viruses like the cold or flu.
Taking these supplements can help prevent you from getting a cold or flu, but remember to always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cold and the flu are two different illnesses, with different symptoms, stages, and treatments. The symptoms of a cold are typically milder than those of the flu and may include a runny nose, congestion, and a sore throat. The symptoms of the flu can be more severe and may include fever, body aches, and fatigue. Both the cold and the flu can be treated with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications and supplements, but the flu may require more aggressive treatment.
It is important to be aware of the differences between a cold and the flu to treat and manage each condition properly.
And if you are careful and take some preventive measures, you may very well be able to avoid getting a cold or flu this season.
Alison is a Traditional Naturopathic doctor and Energy Healer; she has studied and trained extensively in Energy Medicine at the White Winds Institute for Integrative Energy Medicine and she received her Doctorate of Naturopathy from Clayton College for Natural Health. Alison completed a two-year apprenticeship in shamanic practices and ceremony, based in Northern Peruvian indigenous tradition, and continues to train from a world-renowned Peruvian Shaman.
Alison’s journey into holistic health – tapping into the body’s natural capacity for self-healing- started with 20+ years’ experience in conventional Western medicine working as a licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist and, ultimately, as a clinical traditional Naturopathic Doctor. Alison spent the last seven years of clinical practice working at the Psychological Sciences Institute, specializing in autoimmune issues and autism.
In recent years, Alison found her passion and calling in Integrative Energy Medicine. Energy Medicine is very effective in identifying and resolving energetic distortions, created since birth, that can impede progress in dealing with chronic physical, spiritual, and emotional issues. Alison is also a Certified Radical Forgiveness Master Coach and has certifications in Metabolic Nutritional Typing, Advanced Psych-K Modality, and Aromatherapy. Alison specializes in repressed/suppressed emotional issues, finding root causes, balancing energy fields that ultimately allow for healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
