Cases of flu on the rise – how to differentiate between cold and flu
As the NHS warns of an increase in flu cases, distinguishing between the common cold and flu is crucial. With the number of hospitalised flu patients quadrupling over the past month, concerns about maintaining good health are on the rise. NHS chiefs have expressed alarm at the rapid increase in cases, with 5,000 flu patients hospitalized by the end of last week. This number is almost 3.5 times higher than the same period in 2023. While worries about health persist, a doctor has provided guidance on how to differentiate between the flu and a common cold, as the symptoms can often be confusing.
Doctor Husam Issa shared advice on the CLS Health TikTok page to help people identify the differences in symptoms. Symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose are typically associated with the common cold. Loss of taste or smell may also occur, and the duration of a cold is usually shorter, lasting from one to two days depending on severity. On the other hand, flu symptoms often include a high fever and severe body aches, which may confine you to bed. In severe cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia, and the symptoms tend to appear suddenly. It’s important to note that while the flu can be prevented with a vaccine, there is no vaccine for the common cold. Dr. Husam’s advice has been well received, with the clip garnering over 6,000 views.
As flu cases continue to rise, it’s essential to be able to distinguish between the flu and a common cold to seek appropriate treatment promptly and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
In summary, as flu cases increase, it’s crucial to be able to differentiate between the flu and a common cold. Doctor Husam Issa’s guidance on symptom variations can help individuals seek appropriate treatment and take necessary precautions, such as getting vaccinated against the flu. By understanding the differences in symptoms, people can better protect their health and prevent the spread of the virus.