Y S Teo Family Clinic & Surgery

What is the difference between flu (influenza) and cold?

1.  They are caused by different virii  Flu (or Influenza) is caused by the Influenza virii.  There are 3 types of Influenza Virii: Type A, B & C.  Colds are caused by Rhinovirus, Coronavirus, Adenovirus, Enterovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus etc (there are altogether about 200 different virii that can cause the common cold).

2.  Flu symptoms are usually more severe  Flu and colds share similar symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, scratchy throat etc.  However the symptoms for flu are usually more severe, so sufferers of flu usually have fever higher than 38 degree celcius, with whole body ache (even to the point of not wanting to get out of bed).  Flu symptoms last longer as well, someone with flu usually takes a week to 10 days to fully recover.  Someone with cold, would usually recover in 3 to 4 days.  This is why it makes sense to get vaccinated against Influenza.

3.  Complications of Influenza   People can and have succumbed (i.e. die due) to Influenza even before we ever had or knew about “Asian Bird Flu” or “Swine Flu”.  The serious complications, due to Influenza, leading to deaths are: viral pneumonitis (lung inflammation), secondary bacterial pneumonia (lung infection), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), pericarditis (inflammation of the ‘covering’ surrounding the heart.

Persons with weaker immune systems e.g. more than 50 years old, persons with underlying chronic medical problems etc are the ones who are at higher risk of the above serious complications of Influenza.  Complete list of Persons at risk of Complications from Influenza.

According to the US book How To Get Out of Hospital Alive, the 10 things you can do are:

1. Make sure all your known allergies are clearly marked on your chart, wrist band, or on a piece of paper taped above your bed.
2. Mark the area of your body to be operated on with a felt-tip pen.
3. Never eat or drink anything before surgery, even if the nurse brings you a food tray.
4. Tell your anaesthesiologist if you’re on any type of medication.
5. Have a reliable advocate with you as often as possible throughout your hospital stay.
6. Write your name prominently on a piece of paper and tape it to the wall above your bed.
7. Always ask the nurse to check the name and dosage of any medication he or she is about to give you.
8. Don’t let anyone bully you.
9. Don’t hesitate to get a second — or third — opinion.
10. Trust your instincts.

 Think the above makes a lot of sense…. do take note