What is the difference between influenza and cold (common cold)?
How do we avoid them?
Are we witnessing the return of seasonal viruses this fall?
Influenza and the common cold are contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC says the flu is caused only by influenza viruses, while the common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenzas and seasonal coronaviruses.
Seasonal coronaviruses should not be confused with the "SARS-CoV-2" virus that causes the emerging coronavirus, "Covid-19".
The CDC adds that because the symptoms of the flu and the common cold are similar in symptoms, it can be difficult to distinguish between them based on symptoms alone.
In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are usually more severe and start suddenly.
The common cold is usually milder than the flu.
People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose than people who have the flu.
Colds generally do not lead to serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalization.
While the flu can have serious complications associated with it.
Flu symptoms vs cold symptoms
Cold symptoms are usually milder than flu symptoms.
People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.
Colds generally do not lead to serious health problems.
Prevention of colds
There are many preventive measures to avoid catching a cold, such as:
Get a good night's sleep, and according to a report in Deutsche Welle, one needs between 7 and 9 hours of sleep in the fall.
German experts confirmed that women need more hours of sleep than men.
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, according to a natural therapist, Olivier Panisse, in a report published by the French newspaper Le Figaro.
This vitamin is ideal for fighting viruses, and is found in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
"Coriander, kiwi, and parsley contain a very high percentage of vitamin C," Panicé explains.
Drink water in sufficient quantities.
Ventilate rooms, even in winter, so viruses don't stay in a hot and humid place, which helps them multiply, according to Panicé.
Wash your hands regularly to avoid transmission, and this must be done several times throughout the day to get rid of various bacteria.
According to a study conducted by the University of Regensburg, Germany, we must wash our hands with soap for at least 30 seconds to get rid of those bacteria.
Influenza prevention
Get vaccinated. The annual influenza vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself from this disease and its dangerous complications, according to the World Health Organization.
Wash your hands regularly. Hand hygiene protects against most infections, including the flu.
Keeping hands clean is an easy way to protect your health and the health of your family.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water, and dry them well with a disposable towel.
You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as germs are most likely to be transmitted to the body through the eyes, nose and mouth.
While you can't control everything you inhale, you can reduce the risk of infection by keeping your hands away from your face.
If you must touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, use a clean tissue or wash your hands first.
Avoid being around sick people. Flu is contagious and spreads easily in crowded places, such as public transportation, schools, nursing homes, and social gatherings.
If you are sick, stay at home, if you have the flu, being close to others puts them at risk of infection.
Are we seeing a return of seasonal viruses this fall?
Changing weather and sudden drops in temperatures are fertile ground for viruses and the spread of seasonal infections, and colds and sore throats have re-emerged with intensity this fall.
In a report published by the French magazine "Le Point" (le point), writer Joanna Amselm says that these diseases largely disappeared last year thanks to measures to prevent the Corona pandemic and large-scale closures, but it is clear that we will witness a strong re-emergence this year.
In this regard, Dr. Guillaume Darmayac, Deputy Secretary-General of the Syndicate of General Physicians in France, says, "We note a steady increase in the frequency of the spread of these viruses in the general population. Viruses that affect the respiratory system (such as colds, sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc.) ) or chickenpox are diseases that require a visit to the doctor. But so far, the level of its prevalence has not reached what it was before the Covid-19 epidemic."
The “Sentinels” network indicates in a new statistical bulletin, that “in the past week (the 38th week of 2021), the prevalence of acute respiratory infections that were observed through doctors’ visits (or teleconsultations) was estimated at about 76 cases. per 100,000 inhabitants. This was higher than the 37th week of 2021."
2020 without winter viruses
Last year, the spread of seasonal viruses decreased thanks to the strict application of closure measures, which was confirmed by a previous epidemiological bulletin issued by the French Public Health Department, which clarified that “from October 5, 2020 until April 18, 2021, no information has been reported. for any serious cases of influenza.
During the previous season, 860 severe cases of influenza were reported.
The same was observed for bronchiolitis, where its prevalence was much lower compared to previous seasons.
But after we spent an entire year in isolation due to Corona, have our immune systems become less efficient?
Darmayak stresses that the absence of viruses last year does not mean that they will be more virulent this year, and adds, "It is clear that spending several months away from viruses led to a lack of stimulation of the immune system. It deteriorates immunity on a collective level."
Darmayak explains that vaccines will have a good effect, as the elderly - for example - were more able to resist seasonal viruses after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.
In fact, any vaccine that stimulates the entire immune system thus helps fight infections in the fall and winter seasons.
In order to maintain the strength of the immune system and fight viruses, Darmayak advises to maintain some of the good habits that we adopted during the health crisis, even after the spread of the epidemic, including continuing to wear a protective mask to avoid infection, washing hands regularly, sneezing in the elbow, and not kissing others.