Summer Illnesses: Key Differences Between the Common Cold and Influenza

Summer is not all beaches and laughter as people seem to think. It can introduce more undesired guests such as the frequent occasions like the common cold and influenza (flu) which people often confuse. Knowledge of the distinctions is vital for the prevention, or at least the management, of the diseases. QRIS Health is to support you in dealing with these diseases and considering your health as the top priority.

The Common Cold: Most Often a Weak and for the Most Part, Inoffensive Companion

Colds on the other hand are a viral infection of your upper respiratory system and are commonly brought on by the rhinoviruses. It is present in almost every society with adults complaining of 2 to 3 episodes of colds each year and children even more.

Symptoms:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Mild body aches
• Cough
• Low-grade fever (sometimes)
• Congestion
• Sore throat
• Sneezing

Timeline:

• Symptoms typically appear gradually over 1-3 days.
• Most people recover within 7-10 days, although some colds last for 2-3 weeks.

The Flu: A More Intense and Potentially Serious Illness

Influenza (or the flu) is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It is typically more severe than the average cold and can result in significant consequences, particularly in high-risk populations.

Symptoms:

• Cough
• High fever
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Chills
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue (can be extreme)

Timeline:

• Symptoms typically appear unexpectedly.
• Most people recover in about a week, but weariness might continue for several weeks.

When to See a Doctor

It is important to get medical assistance as soon as possible for full-body checkup tests in Delhi. if you think you may have the flu, particularly if you belong to a high-risk group. If antiviral treatment is started within the first 48 hours of illness, it can be helpful.

Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The best defense against both the common cold and the flu is prevention:

• Wash your hands frequently: Wash with soap and water for the minimum of 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact with sick people: Stay away from sick people, this is one of the most important things that people all over the world should practice.
• Cover your mouth & nose: When one needs to cough or sneeze, ensure to do so in a tissue or with the elbow.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces: Wash hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds often and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Get vaccinated: It is commonly believed that the only method of preventing the flu is through and out looking for the flu vaccine.

Testing: Your Key to Clarity and Confidence

While it would be useful to know the symptoms of cold or flu and differentiate between the two, sometimes it just does not suffice. Sometimes patients self-diagnose and it becomes hard to differentiate between the symptoms hence experiencing complications once the right treatment is not sought. That's where testing comes in:

Diagnostic Tests for Cold & Flu:

• Rapid Flu Test: This quick test can diagnose the influenza viruses, within minutes, that will enable individuals to receive treatment and care.
• PCR Tests: They include PCR tests which are more accurate can pick a larger number of respiratory viruses; including those that cause the flu and common cold.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): An example of a test that can be done is the CBC test in Delhi that will show signs of infection like high white blood cell count useful in distinguishing viral and bacterial infections.

The Benefits of Physical Check UPs

Other than identifying certain diseases, the full body checkups are essential for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases and better health. Primarily when one has been affected by a summer illness, a thorough examination will show how the bod has been affected as well as the deficiencies or concerns that may exist.

Possible Findings of a Full Body Checkup

• Vitamin Deficiencies: Summer diseases increase the usage of the human body hence a depletion of some vital nutrients such as vitamin D and B12 being among them. Supplements can be administered and your levels checked by body checkup which a full body checkup offers.
• Immune System Function: This can be assessed by the doctor and he/she can advise the patient on how he/she can boost his/her immune system.
• Hidden Health Issues: Some diseases that are related to summer health issues like diabetes, heart diseases among others may have been concealed, but discovered through a full body checkup.

QRIS Health: Your Partner in Health

We have full body health checkup facilities at QRIS Health, and we give you easy and convenient online booking for full-body checkup tests in Delhi. Tests and screenings: Our packages cover all aspects of a person’s health, and our staff will be glad to explain the results in detail and help manage their health.

Take the Next Step

Do not ruin your health plans because of summer sicknesses. Choose an online full body checkup test today and be in control of your health.