The common cold and influenza, which may seem like \"close relatives,\" actually differ greatly

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Recently, people have felt that the temperature has dropped significantly. During such seasonal changes, it’s common to see many people around getting colds. Many assume that a mild cold will go away on its own after a week, but Nie Cong, a member of the Health Risk Assessment and Control Committee of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, warns that what you think is a ‘mild cold’ could actually be influenza. ”　　Nie Cong said that many people mistake the flu for a common cold; in fact, these two are different types of colds. 　　The common cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, is a common respiratory disease caused by various viruses. Among upper respiratory tract infections, 30%-50% are caused by a certain serotype of rhinovirus, and it is somewhat contagious ； Influenza, also known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It is a highly contagious disease that spreads rapidly; it can be transmitted through droplets in the air, through direct contact between people, or through contact with contaminated objects. Patients experience high fever, body aches, significant fatigue, and mild respiratory symptoms, as explained in detail by Nie Cong. 　　Furthermore, according to Nie Cong, the peak seasons for common colds and influenza are different as well; common colds occur more frequently in early winter, and they can also appear in spring, summer, and during seasonal transitions. The so-called \"heat cold\" that people often hear of is a type of common cold ； Influenza generally occurs more frequently in cold weather and during season changes, and its symptoms can be quite severe. 　　Finally, Nie Cong said that the severity of the common cold and influenza is different. In many people’s experience, a common cold will go away on its own within about a week even without taking any medication. However, those with a weakened immune system, such as infants, the elderly, and patients with underlying heart or lung diseases, may develop complications such as pneumonia due to the influenza virus; in severe cases, it can even be fatal. Therefore, these groups need to pay special attention to preventive treatment. (Jiang Xiaoting) This article was scientifically reviewed by Sun Jingsheng, the chief pharmacist at the Pharmacy Department of Baodi District People’s Hospital in Tianjin.