Doctor Aigul Arslanova: if a runny nose appears first, it indicates a cold.
Ufa general practitioner Arslanova answered UfaTime.ru how to distinguish between the main seasonal infections from the ARVI category – colds, flu and COVID-19.
Cold. The doctor noted that it usually begins with a runny nose, slight chills, itching, discomfort in the throat, sneezing. Colds are characterized by progressive development from milder symptoms to a slight increase in malaise. This type of respiratory infection usually lasts several days without the occurrence of very severe conditions and serious consequences.
Flu. Arslanova emphasized that flu is characterized by a rapid onset: a person, having felt unwell, very quickly begins to feel an increase in heat due to the temperature, which in a short time rises to high values (above 38 degrees). In addition, weakness, aches or pains in muscles and joints occur.
“Flu requires careful attention and monitoring of the patient's condition, as it can lead to complications, such as pneumonia. To prevent flu, it is recommended to get vaccinated and follow hygiene rules,” the doctor stated.
COVID-19. According to the media, its symptoms can vary in different people – they can be similar to both the flu and the common cold. The difference between coronavirus infection and coronavirus is the loss of smell and taste, difficulty breathing, chest pain. When sick with COVID, you also need to monitor how the patient tolerates his illness – in some cases, this infection causes the development of severe complications.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote that eating onions helps to recover from ARVI.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Aigul Arslanova Health Head of the Department of Medical Prevention, Outpatient Department No. 2, City Clinical Hospital No. 5, Ufa