The difference between influenza and the common cold

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on December 10, 2024
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Influenza, also known as the flu, mainly occurs when the human body is invaded by influenza viruses, resulting in symptoms primarily of coughing, fever, and sore throat. Besides these symptoms, influenza can also present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The body temperature of patients often exceeds 39°C or 40°C. On the other hand, the common cold is mostly caused by rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, EB viruses, or even infections from Haemophilus influenzae, leading to relatively localized lesions. Common symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, and it may not include fever. The prognosis of the common cold is generally better than that of influenza, and it is less likely to lead to severe complications.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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How to control some signs of a cold?

To control early signs of a cold, first and foremost pay attention to adjusting your lifestyle and diet. Avoid staying up late and overworking, opt for bland, soft, and easily digestible foods, abstain from smoking and alcohol, and avoid eating meat. Consume more fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, ensure sufficient and good quality sleep, and drink more ginger sugar water or scallion white broth. These can warm the body and disperse cold, aiding in the recovery from a cold. Additionally, measure your temperature twice daily to check for any signs of fever, and treat the symptoms accordingly.

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What should I drink for a cold and cough?

For a cold accompanied by coughing, it is appropriate to drink some rock sugar pear water, or some stewed Fritillaria pear, or some fruit juice and vegetable juice. Drinking mung bean soup can also have a certain cough-relieving effect. Additionally, it is recommended to appropriately consume loquat pear or some honey water. Pay attention to a light diet, avoiding spicy and greasy, stimulating foods. During the coughing period, avoid seafood such as fish and shrimp, and also avoid insect-based foods. Also avoid overly sour, overly sweet, or overly greasy foods. At the same time, keep warm, avoid exposure to wind and cold, refrain from intense exercise, and engage in appropriate activities to strengthen the physique and enhance resistance.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
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What department should I go to for a cold?

Colds are generally divided into common colds and influenza. For a common cold, one can visit the department of respiratory medicine; if this department is unavailable, one may alternatively visit the general internal medicine department. This disease can also be treated at community hospitals under the general practice department. Additionally, influenza is a contagious disease, so it is typically advised to seek treatment at a fever clinic or a clinic specializing in infectious diseases. If these options are not available, it is recommended to go to a hospital that can treat influenza.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
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Is kidney qi deficiency prone to colds?

Patients with insufficient kidney qi are more likely to catch colds. This is because a deficiency in kidney qi can affect vitality, leading to slower bodily functions. Insufficient nurturing of vitality results in lethargy, lack of sleep, and reduced memory, thereby increasing the susceptibility to colds. This is especially true for male patients, where severe deficiency in kidney qi can lead to symptoms such as impotence and premature ejaculation. Additionally, it leads to lower bodily resistance and insufficient yang qi, as well as cold aversion, thus timely treatment is essential.

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Can you eat watermelon when you have a cold?

When you have a cold, it is appropriate to eat some watermelon, but you should be careful not to eat too much at once, as watermelon contains a relatively high amount of sugar. If you are coughing and have phlegm while having a cold, eating too much watermelon might contribute to the production of more phlegm and exacerbate the symptoms of the cold. Therefore, it is suggested that during a cold, everyone should also consider their own health condition and the severity of their illness when consuming fruits. As for any fruit, do not eat too much at once to avoid negatively affecting the recovery from the illness. It is also important to drink plenty of water during a cold, which is definitely beneficial, as drinking water can promote metabolism and eliminate toxins from the body, helping the illness to recover faster. Additionally, it is advised to actively cooperate with medical treatment to alleviate symptoms.