Influenza or the common cold, what is the difference?

Influenza is an acute disease of the respiratory system that occurs every year from autumn and the peak period for influenza in the northern hemisphere extending from November to March. It is caused by viruses and can affect people of all ages.

The symptoms of the flu usually begin suddenly and include:

• Fever (usually high)
• Pain in the joints and muscles, but also around the eyes
• Generalized weakness
• Pale skin and red, moist eyes
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Sore throat and watery discharge from the nose (runny nose) or nasal congestion (bloating)
• Vomiting or diarrhea, especially in children
• What is the incubation period of the flu in adults?

The incubation period is the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms of the disease. The incubation period for the flu is from two to four days.

Is it Influenza or the common cold?

Influenza or Common Cold?

The common cold is a mild infection often caused by a virus, different from those of the flu.

Separating the symptoms of the common cold from those of the flu can sometimes be difficult, but, in general, people with a common cold, runny or stuffy nose are more common symptoms.

While people with the flu:

• have sudden onset of symptoms
• they appear very sick
• feel very weak
• have a higher fever
• have body aches
• fatigue
• dry cough