It’s not always easy to determine if you have a cold or the flu, but knowing the difference helps treatment work quicker at ending your symptoms.
Both influenza and the common cold are viral respiratory infections (they affect the nose, throat, and lungs). So viruses can be passed from one person to another. As such, these illnesses are most easily spread in crowded conditions such as schools.
- Influenza is commonly referred to as “the flu.” Each year, 10% to 20% of Canadians are stricken with influenza*. Unlike the cold, which can hit at any time of year, the flu is generally seasonal. Flu season runs from fall to spring, peaking during winter months.
- There are over 200 different known cold viruses, but most colds (30% to 40%) are caused by rhinoviruses*. In Canada, the peak times for colds are at the start of school in the fall, in mid-winter, and again in early spring. The average adult gets about 2 to 4 colds per year, most often during the winter. Infants can get as many as 8 to 10 colds in a year because their body’s defenses aren’t yet developed. Children under 6 years of age average about 6 to 8 cold episodes each year.
Flu-like symptoms?
Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic medicine that reduces the duration of flu-like symptoms and relieves body aches, headache, fever and chills. Oscillo is suitable for the whole family and it does not cause drowsiness.
Cold symptoms?
Coryzalia is a homeopathic medicine used for cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and rhinitis (acute, recurrent, infectious or allergic). Available in drinkable unit-doses, for baby from 1 month to 11 years old, and in tablets for adults and children 5 years of age and older.
*http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/naci-ccni/flu-2015-grippe-eng.php