What is the difference between cold and flu symptoms

Both are spread mainly by large and small particles containing virus that are expelled when people with the illness COVID or flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These particles can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and possibly be inhaled into the lungs. In some circumstances, such as indoor settings with poor ventilation, small particles might be spread further than 6 feet and cause infections.

Although most spread is by inhalation, it may be possible that a person can get infected by touching for example, shaking hands with someone who has the virus on their hands or by touching a surface or object that has virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

Both flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID can be spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms; by people with very mild symptoms; and by people who never experience symptoms asymptomatic people. This means the virus that causes COVID can quickly and easily spread to a lot of people and result in continual spreading among people as time progresses.

Those at highest risk include:. Most people who get flu will recover on their own in a few days to two weeks, but some people will experience severe complications , requiring hospitalization.

Some of these complications are listed above. People at higher risk of complications or who have been hospitalized for COVID or flu should receive supportive medical care to help relieve symptoms and complications. Prescription influenza antiviral drugs are FDA-approved to treat flu. People who are hospitalized with flu or who are at increased risk of complications and have flu symptoms are recommended to be treated with antiviral drugs as soon as possible after illness onset.

FDA has issued emergency use authorizations external icon EUAs to allow healthcare providers to use investigational products that are not yet approved, or that are approved for other uses, to treat patients with COVID if certain legal requirements are met external icon. There are multiple FDA-licensed influenza vaccines produced annually to protect against the 4 flu viruses that scientists expect will circulate each year.

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High blood pressure: Popular drink to skip for lower reading — do you drink this? One common habit that can cause bloating — do you do this? Check Also. The flu vaccine has been updated this year to better match circulating strains. Added Dr. And get and use a thermometer. Kelly Malcom.

October 21, PM. Illustation by Michigan Medicine. JavaScript is required. No time to read? Listen instead:. This article was updated on September 16,