Flu and cold are different diseases. Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system caused by influenza virus. Cold is the name given to the upper respiratory tract infection, which is caused by nearly two hundred viruses other than influenza, and begins with a mild runny nose, a feeling of itching in the throat and a runny nose.
The common cold usually occurs 2-3 days after the virus is acquired. starts. Runny nose, congestion, sneezing, sore throat, cough and headache, weakness and malaise are observed. Fire is mild. It is around 37-38 degrees. Although it usually resolves spontaneously within 1-2 weeks with mild symptoms, it causes children to fall behind in school and adults to lose their workforce.
Since children are in frequent contact with other children in nurseries and schools, they easily infect each other with the virus, and the virus can spread up to 5 times a year. -They can catch a cold 8 times. The most common cold viruses that cause epidemics are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, adenovirus and coronavirus. Cold viruses cause asthma attacks to flare up in autumn and winter. 60-80% of asthma attacks in children are due to these viruses.
Rhinoviruses usually initiate asthma attacks in young people and adults, and RSV in children and infants. Sometimes, it can cause asthma-like bronchial sensitivity - bronchial hyperreactivity - in people who have never had asthma.
Flu is a viral respiratory infection caused by the Influenza virus. Influenza virus has groups A, B, C. It is group A that often causes serious illness. Symptoms appear within 1-4 days after exposure to the virus. Flu has a more severe illness than the common cold. Flu causes discomfort such as fever, muscle pain, burning in the throat, cough and fatigue. Fever of up to 39-40 degrees may occur and usually does not decrease with medications. A condition requiring hospitalization may occur. In fact, flu-related pneumonia and respiratory failure may occur, more frequently in risk groups. A person suffering from the flu may experience the disease one or two days before the symptoms of the disease begin. It can be transmitted for 4-5 days after the symptoms of the disease begin.
The incidence of flu increases especially in the autumn season, when the weather begins to cool, and continues to be seen in winter and less frequently in the first months of spring. The flu virus usually causes epidemics in our country in December, January and early February. Since people are together more often in closed spaces during the winter months, it is easier for the disease to spread.
There are patient groups at risk for influenza infection. Babies and elderly patients, patients with chronic diseases (chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic kidney failure, rheumatism and coronary artery disease, diabetes, neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, anemia), smokers, cancer patients, patients whose immune systems are suppressed for various reasons, such as those receiving chemotherapy. , are at greater risk.
The vaccine is only effective against flu viruses, it has no effect on cold viruses.
Every year, WHO World Health Organization determines which of the flu virus subgroups may cause disease in the coming winter and advises vaccine manufacturers. recommends and next year's flu vaccines are prepared accordingly. If the epidemic subgroups are in line with the expectations, that is, if the vaccine content is suitable, the vaccine will have high protection against flu. This rate is generally around 50-80% in young people.
The priority in viral infections of the respiratory tract is to take precautions before getting sick. That is, to prevent the transmission of the disease. These precautions are as follows:
1. Hands should be washed with soap when coming from outside.
2. If possible, close contact with people with colds should be avoided.
3. Mouth and nose should be covered when sneezing or coughing. .
4. During the winter months, plenty of fluids should be taken and care should be taken to have a balanced diet.
5.No smoking.
6. People in risk groups should get a flu vaccine and, if their doctor deems it necessary, a pneumonia vaccine.
7. Risk groups should not delay a doctor's examination in case of cold or flu.
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