In recent days, the presence of the rapidly spreading super flu virus across the world has also been detected in Pakistan.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a rapid increase in influenza cases has been reported in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, due to the new strain Influenza A (H3N2) sub group “subclade K”.
The presence of super flu influenza has also been confirmed in Pakistan, and in this regard, sources say that the new strain Influenza A (H3N2) sub group “subclade K” was found in 20 percent of samples.
This virus is being referred to as super flu because more people than expected worldwide are being affected, and another reason is that the virus has undergone certain changes.
However, along with flu, the common cold also becomes widespread during cold weather, and differentiating between the two illnesses can be challenging.
Understanding the difference between the two can help protect health.
What causes flu or the common cold?
Both the common cold and flu are respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses.
Viruses causing the common cold are usually rhinoviruses, while flu is caused by influenza viruses, generally Influenza A and B.
It is also possible for a person to suffer from both flu and the common cold at the same time, and viruses related to these illnesses become more active during cold weather.
Do both spread in the same way?
Both the common cold and flu are highly contagious and can spread from one person to another through direct contact, coughing, sneezing, or respiratory droplets released during breathing.
They can also spread by touching objects used by an infected person and then touching the face.
What are the main symptoms of both and how to differentiate between a cold and flu?
Common cold symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, and mild fatigue.
In comparison, flu symptoms include sudden fever, extreme tiredness and weakness, muscle and joint pain, headache, dry cough, chills (feelings of shivering and cold sweats), loss of appetite, and sometimes diarrhea.
A key difference between flu and the common cold is that flu symptoms appear suddenly and are much more severe, while cold symptoms are milder and develop gradually.
Both can lead to other complications such as ear infections, chest infections, or worsening of existing medical conditions.
