What are the differences between flu symptoms and a common cold?

Generally speaking, "influenza" refers to the common cold, whereas influenza here means the flu. There are significant differences between influenza and the common cold in terms of onset speed and severity of symptoms, fever levels, systemic symptoms, throat symptoms, and duration of illness. If any abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. A detailed comparison is as follows:

1. Onset speed and symptom severity: Influenza typically has a sudden onset with severe clinical symptoms, often presenting as sudden high fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. The common cold usually has a slower onset with milder symptoms primarily involving nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, generally without fever or only with low-grade fever.

2. Fever level: Fever caused by influenza is usually high, often exceeding 39°C, accompanied by chills and shivering. Fever associated with the common cold is generally mild or absent, and if present, is typically a low-grade fever below 39°C.

3. Systemic symptoms: Influenza causes significant systemic symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite, and severe cases may lead to complications like pneumonia and myocarditis. Systemic symptoms of the common cold are mild and mainly limited to the upper respiratory tract, such as nasal congestion and runny nose, rarely causing serious complications.

4. Throat symptoms: Sore throat may occur with influenza, but it is not typically a primary symptom. Throat symptoms are more pronounced in the common cold, including dryness, itching, and sore throat, sometimes accompanied by coughing.

5. Duration of illness: Influenza generally lasts longer, requiring one to two weeks for recovery. The common cold has a shorter course, usually improving within three to five days.

Treatment for the common cold may include medications such as ibuprofen tablets, Lianhua Qingwen capsules, and Ganmaoling granules, as advised by a doctor. Treatment for influenza should follow medical guidance and may involve antiviral medications such as oseltamivir phosphate capsules, zanamivir inhalation powder, and peramivir injection to alleviate symptoms and shorten the illness duration.