Flu, COVID, and Cold Symptom Comparison Factsheet

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Flu, COVID, and Cold Symptom Comparison Factsheet

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19, INFLUENZA (FLU), AND THE COMMON COLD COVID-19, influenza (flu), and the common cold are all contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because some of the symptoms of COVID-19, flu, and the common cold are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. COVID-19, flu, and colds share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the three of them. Current evidence shows that some people who are infected with COVID-19 may not have any symptoms. While more is learned every day, there is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it. This fact sheet compares symptoms of COVID-19, flu, and colds using the best available information as of September 2020. COVID-19 Flu Cold Varies, some people may Symptom onset Sudden Gradual not have any symptoms Fever or chills Common Common Rare Cough Common Common Common Shortness of breath Sometimes No No Fatigue (tiredness) Common Common Sometimes Sneezing No No Common Sore throat Sometimes Sometimes Common Runny or stuffy nose Rare Sometimes Common Muscle aches and Sometimes Common Common pains Headache Sometimes Common Rare Diarrhea Rare Sometimes No Nausea or vomiting Sometimes Sometimes No Change in/loss of Sometimes Rare Sometimes taste or smell (generally sudden) Sometimes Rash No No (COVID toes) Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and Johns Hopkins Medicine #3-118-0920 To learn more about flu and the vaccine to prevent it, talk to your healthcare provider or visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html..

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The Common Cold.Pdf
PATIENT TEACHING AID The Common Cold PERFORATION ALONG TEAR Everyone has experienced the misery of the common Rhinovirus Infection cold. A cold causes familiar symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, postnasal drip, and cough. For most sufferers, these symptoms are annoying, but not serious. Cold symptoms gradually improve and disappear over 7 to 10 days without complications. Colds are viral infections, so treatment with an antibiotic is not helpful. The best treatment for a cold is rest, fluids, and nonprescription medicines to help relieve symptoms. Although there is no vaccine to prevent colds, the spread of cold viruses can be slowed by frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with those suffering from a cold. ILLUSTRATION: KRISTEN WIENANDT MARZEJON 2016 MARZEJON WIENANDT KRISTEN ILLUSTRATION: Copyright Jobson Medical Information LLC, 2016 continued MEDICAL PATIENT TEACHING AID Antibiotics Should Not Be Used to Treat a Cold Colds are caused by a variety of viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses. These viruses are highly contagious, and they are spread through the air or when someone is in contact with an infected person or contaminated object. There is no good evidence that exposure to cold or being overheated © Jobson Medical Information LLC, 2016 LLC, Information Medical Jobson © increases the risk of contracting a cold. Although most Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently colds occur in the winter months, some viruses that cause to prevent the spread of cold viruses. colds are more common in the fall or spring. Infants and young children are more prone to colds, as are people with weakened immunity.
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Influenza Planning Guide for Alberta's Vulnerable Populations And
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Common Human Coronaviruses
Common Human Coronaviruses Common human coronaviruses, including types 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1, usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with one or more of these viruses at some point in their lives. This information applies to common human coronaviruses and should not be confused with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (formerly referred to as 2019 Novel Coronavirus). Symptoms of common human coronaviruses Treatment for common human coronaviruses • runny nose • sore throat There is no vaccine to protect you against human • headache • fever coronaviruses and there are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses. Most people with • cough • general feeling of being unwell common human coronavirus illness will recover on their Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower- own. However, to relieve your symptoms you can: respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. • take pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary aspirin to children) disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults. • use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough Transmission of common human coronaviruses • drink plenty of liquids Common human coronaviruses usually spread from an • stay home and rest infected person to others through If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your • the air by coughing and sneezing healthcare provider. • close personal contact, like touching or shaking hands Testing for common human coronaviruses • touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing Sometimes, respiratory secretions are tested to figure out your hands which specific germ is causing your symptoms.
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Influenza (PDF)
INFLUENZA Outbreaks of influenza, or “flu”, typically occur every winter. Colds may occur at any time of year with seasonal peaks occurring in fall and spring. Influenza is a respiratory illness usually caused by infection with one of two influenza viruses – influenza A or influenza B. Outbreaks of influenza (flu) typically occur every winter. Influenza is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever, chills, headache, body aches, and lack of energy accompanied by respiratory symptoms, most frequently cough and sore throat. Most people are largely recovered in one week, although many feel fatigued for several weeks. Serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia, however, can occur, especially if the body’s defenses are weakened by age or disease. Influenza is spread by inhaling the influenza virus which is usually carried on tiny, invisible water droplets in the air generated by coughs and sneezes. Hand-to-hand contact as well as contact with infected secretions on a hard surface may also cause transmission of the virus. Each year influenza viruses change and new vaccines are made to combat the particular strains that are expected to cause illness that year. The flu vaccine may reduce the chance of getting the flu by 60-80%, and lessen the severity of illness in the person who does get the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), everyone 6 months or order should get a yearly flu vaccine. The following people are at high risk for complications of flu and are especially urged to get vaccinated: Individuals with chronic heart or lung problems that have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the last year.
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Cold and Flu Fact Sheet
Cold and Flu Fact Sheet The common cold, including chest colds, head colds, and the seasonal flu are caused by viruses that can put a damper on your holiday spirit. While Cold and Flu season can start as early as October and can last as late as May, activity peaks during Christmas time and will want to make you say Bah-Humbug! General Information Virology Clinical manifestations Cold - The common cold is a viral infection of the upper Cold - Symptoms of a common cold usually appear about respiratory tract. The most commonly implicated virus is a one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. rhinovirus. Other commonly implicated viruses include Signs and symptoms typically include a runny/stuffy nose, human coronavirus, influenza viruses, and adenovirus. itchy/sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches and Frequently, more than one virus is present. The difficultly mild headache, sneezing, water eyes, and mild fatigue. with pathogens associated with the common cold is that some viruses are enveloped, meaning they are easy to kill Flu - Symptoms of seasonal influenza are very similar to (such as influenza) while others are non-enveloped, those of the common cold, except the flu can be meaning they are harder to kill (such as rhinovirus). This distinguished by a high fever and more severe symptoms emphasizes the importance of choosing disinfectant of the common cold. products with the ability to kill both enveloped and non- enveloped viruses. Pandemics and Outbreaks A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It is determined Flu - Influenza (commonly known as the flu) are influenza by how the disease spreads, not by how many deaths it viruses which are enveloped, RNA viruses that make up causes.
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The Common Cold
THE COMMON COLD From infancy to adulthood, all children suffer from occasional colds. Preschool age children commonly experience 6-10 colds a year, with each illness lasting 10 to 14 days. Over time, children gain some immunity to cold viruses, resulting in fewer and less severe episodes. CAUSES There are thousands of different virus types that cause colds. Colds are more common in the winter. They are transferred from person to person by coughing, sneezing and direct hand to hand contact. People are most contagious during the first 2-3 days of their illness, especially if there is fever. EXPECTED COURSE A cold usually begins with nasal stuffiness and a watery runny nose. It may be accompanied by sneezing and watering eyes. Some coughing, especially at night, is common. It helps clear the throat and bronchial tubes of secretions. Fever is common, especially in the first few days of the illness. Some children will have no fever at all, others can have fevers of 102 – 104 F. Fever is often higher at night than during the daytime. Fevers can be brief, but often last from 3 to 5 days. Colds are often accompanied by sore throat, headache, tiredness, and muscle aches. By the third or fourth day of the cold, the nasal discharge usually becomes thicker and it may develop a yellow or green discoloration. Most symptoms are gone in 7 to 10 days, but some may last 2 to 3 weeks. TREATMENT 1. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. 2. Encourage extra fluids. Don't worry about poor appetite.
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COMMON COLD & INFLUENZA (Cont.)
COMMON COLD & INFLUENZA (cont.) COMMON COLD & INFLUENZA Common colds are mild infections of the nose and What is the treatment? throat, which are very common in young children While there is medication available, most health (and in adults who are around them), and are caused care providers suggest rest and plenty of fluids. To by many different viruses. Usually the viral illness see if there is bacterial infection in addition to the causes some combination of stuffy nose, runny viral infection, a healthcare provider should nose, sore throat, cough, runny eyes, ear fluid and evaluate a child who has a high fever, persistent fever. cough, or earache. Because of a possible association with Reye’s Syndrome (i.e., vomiting, Influenza (the flu) is also caused by a virus (e.g., liver problems and coma), salicylate-containing influenza-A, influenza-B) and causes symptoms of products (i.e., aspirin) are not recommended for fever, headache, sore throat, cough, muscle ache control of fever. and fatigue. Most people with influenza feel too ill to attend childcare. How can the spread of these diseases be prevented? Occasionally, the common cold or influenza can be Influenza vaccine is the primary method of complicated by a bacterial infection such as an ear preventing influenza and its severe complications. infection, sinus infections, or pneumonia. These The vaccine should be given annually beginning at complications can be treated with appropriate 6 months of age. Two doses should be given the antibiotics after evaluation by their health care first year the child receives the influenza vaccine. provider. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for Who gets these diseases? all children aged 6 months through age 18 with Anyone can.
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The Common Cold
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Ah-Choo! Is It a Cold, Hay Fever, Sinusitis Or the Flu?
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Comparison Chart Ah-choo! Is it a Cold, Hay Fever, Sinusitis or the Flu? Name Symptoms Causes Onset & duration of Prevention Treatment symptoms Common Cold • No fever More than 200 different viruses, • Usually comes on gradually Frequent hand washing • Bed rest & plenty of fluids (“Head Cold”) • No aches and pains including: • Most common Sept-April • Acetaminophen or aspirin for • Still have an appetite • Rhinovirus (nose virus) • Adults will get 2-4 colds/year headache/ fever • Sore throat • RSV (respiratory syncytial • Children will get up to 12 • See a physician if cold lasts • Runny, stuffy nose virus) colds/year more than 10 days • Sneezing • Corona viruses • Colds are a powerful asthma • Most prominent symptoms trigger are in the nose • Lasts about one week Flu • Sudden fever, chills Viruses, spread by: • Usually comes on suddenly • Highly recommended to get Most people recover without (Influenza) • Aching muscles and joints • Sneezed or coughed droplets • Lasts about a week a flu shot to prevent the flu, treatment • Headache into the air from an infected especially if history of • Severe malaise person asthma, recurrent ear • Dry cough & lack of appetite • Cold & dry weather, as people infections, and sinusitis. • Blocked and/or runny nose spend more time close together • Best time for flu shot is Oct - • Your ” whole body” feels sick indoors. Nov Allergic Rhinitis • No fever Exposure to irritants/triggers: • Weeks, months or all year. Avoid triggers; for example: • Antihistamines (“Hay Fever”) • Congestion • Dust mites • Symptoms last as long as • Remove carpeting to reduce • Intranasal steroids • Runny or stuffy nose (clear, • Animal dander you are exposed to the dust mites and mould • Immunotherapy may help white thin mucus) • Pollen allergen.
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What Is Acute Bronchitis?
What is acute bronchitis? FACT SHEET prepared by The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Acute bronchitis is an infection of the large bronchi (airways) in the lungs. The airways swell and thick mucus builds up inside them. It is often caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold. A minority of cases are caused by bacteria. How do I know that I have acute bronchitis? Acute bronchitis may accompany or closely follow a cold or influenza or may occur on its own. The major symptom of acute bronchitis is a productive cough that may bring up yellow or green sputum (phlegm). This cough can last several weeks. Some people may have shortness of breath and a wheeze. There may be other symptoms associated with the viral cause such as a runny nose, sore throat, fever, muscle aches and pains, sore eyes or headache, particularly early in the illness. Chest pain is not usually associated with bronchitis. Who gets acute bronchitis? Anyone can get acute bronchitis. It is more common in winter, especially during influenza outbreaks. Tobacco smoke and other air pollutants appear to worsen symptoms and may prolong the cough. People with a chronic lung disease can also get acute bronchitis, but may need different treatment. How is acute bronchitis treated? Most cases will go away after a few days or a week though the cough may linger for several weeks or months. This indicates that the airways are taking a longer time to heal. As most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by virus’s, antibiotics are usually not effective.
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Pulmonary Fibrosis: a Lung Disease Many Don't Recognize 2 March 2020
Pulmonary fibrosis: A lung disease many don't recognize 2 March 2020 of pulmonary fibrosis and 96% had never talked to their doctor about the disease. The rates among current or former smokers were more than 80% and 91%, respectively. People with a history of smoking were three times more likely to have pulmonary fibrosis or know someone affected by the disease, the findings showed. "Awareness of pulmonary fibrosis and its symptoms remains very low, and for many, the first time they hear of it is when they are diagnosed," said William Schmidt, president and CEO of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. "Improving understanding of this disease can help drive earlier diagnoses and encourage support for needed research, so that we can ultimately find a cure for pulmonary fibrosis," Schmidt added in a foundation news release. More than 200,000 people in the United States have pulmonary fibrosis, but more than eight in 10 If they developed symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, Americans don't know the symptoms of the lung many respondents said they'd seek medical disease, a new survey finds. attention: 80% would see a doctor if they had shortness of breath for longer than a month; 78% Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease that would see a doctor if they had symptoms of a causes scarring of the lungs. Symptoms include lingering cough and fatigue; and half would wait persistent, dry cough, shortness of breath and less than three weeks to see a doctor if they had fatigue. There is no known cure. symptoms of a lingering cough and fatigue.
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Common Cold Vs. Influenza
Common Cold vs. Influenza The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu‐like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People with the influenza virus are likely contagious from the day or so before symptoms first appear until about five days after symptoms begin, though sometimes people are contagious for as long as 10 days after symptoms appear. If you have a cold, you are likely contagious for the first 3 days of having symptoms. SYMPTOMS COLD FLU Fever Rare Usually present Chills Mild Moderate‐Severe Headache Uncommon Common Body aches Slight Severe Fatigue/Weakness Mild Moderate‐Severe Nasal Congestion Common Sometimes Sneezing Yes No Sore Throat Common Sometimes Chest Discomfort Mild‐Moderate Severe Cough Hacking, Productive (mucous Non‐productive (non‐mucus producing) producing) Treatment Antihistamines, Antiviral medications per Decongestants, Cough doctor Suppressants, Pain Relievers Flu symptoms should subside in 3‐5 days, although cough and weakness may persist. Cold symptoms usually last 5‐14 days, but should start to improve within 7 days. Prevention: •Get an annual flu shot •Try to avoid close contact with sick people. •If you are sick with flu–like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever‐reducing medicine.
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