Читать книгу 100 Ways to Boost Your Immune System - Theresa Cheung, Theresa Cheung - Страница 13

Most people get a cold several times a year but fortunately, influenza strikes only once every few years. The flu virus is often mistaken for a cold virus since both these infections share similar symptoms, but the two diseases are very different. For one thing colds tend to go away without causing trouble but influenza can lead to complications such as pneumonia. Being able to spot a case of flu quickly also opens up the possibility of taking antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu and Relenza, which can kill the virus and speed recovery. Once flu is diagnosed, your doctor can determine which one is best for you.

If you aren’t sure if you have a cold or a case of the flu, bear in mind that colds tend to come on gradually. The first sign is often a sore or scratchy throat, followed by a runny nose and sneezing. Other symptoms include coughing, headaches and stuffiness. Also colds don’t usually cause fevers in adults, although they can sometimes do so in children. The flu, on the other hand, leads quickly to a high fever and the symptoms tend to be far more severe. You might feel weak, tired and drained of all energy, and you might also experience chills, a sore throat, strong headaches and aches and pains (including eye pains).