Understanding common colds and Influenza

The Common Cold was first medically categorised in the early 16th Century and named due to the observed association of runny noses  with cold weather.

Both the Common Cold and Influenza are virus based.  The difference is mainly in their severity.

The common cold usually starts as an upper respiratory virus, mainly a form of a rhinovirus or a coronavirus and is the most frequent of all infectious diseases in humans.  The common cold is usually transmited by the fingers from infected surfaces to the nose.  Hence the importance of washing hands regularly and keeping hands away from the face. It can also be transmitted by sneezing. The symptoms can continue for a few days to a week.  One typically has a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, blocked nose, sometimes accompanied by mild fever and headaches.  Symptoms can also develop in the ears and sinuses causing further discomfort. 

Influenza starts suddenly with high fever and is a more unpleasant and severe disease.  Transmission is identical to colds.  Influenza can lead to secondary infections such as pneumonia and on occasions be fatal, particularly among the elderly. We would always recommend that you seek the advice of a medical practitioner when you have influenza symptoms.

Regardless as to whether you have been infected by a cold virus or an influenza virus, the invasion process is similar.  The virus needs to duplicate itself in your cells in order to multiply.  This usually starts in the nose and upper respiratory passage and then can progress to other parts of the body. Our immune system seeks to isolate and immobilize the virus cells.  We can help this process by resting, staying warm, drinking lots of fluids and increasing our dietary intake of immune supportive foods which contain vitamins, flavonoids, polyphenols and anthocyanins.  Treatment is the province of the medical practioner.