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A viewer wants to know, what's the difference between a cold and the flu. Well many times
these two terms are used interchangeably. But they're really in a category of upper-respiratory
tract infections. And they're caused by viruses and easily spread from individual to individual
by coughing and sneezing. A cold is usually self limiting. It's usually just a couple
of days at the most. It includes the coughing and the sneezing. Sometimes fever. Sometimes
aches and pains. And you usually can treat yourself well at home with plenty of fluids
and rest. The flu can be a little more serious and especially through the seasonal flu period
season itself is from late fall early winter through the spring. And it's typically caused
by influenza A or B viruses. Now the symptoms again can be the same as a cold but can also
include headache and high fever and lots of bodily aches and pains. And it can come on
very suddenly. Now the individuals who really should worry if they get the flu are individuals
who are more sensitive to these kinds of illnesses such as the elderly, pregnant women, young
children, infants and those with chronic diseases. Individuals in this categories should reach
out to their health care professional because they may be needing an antiviral drug to treat
them for the flu. Overall in terms of the cold and the flu it's best to really, if you
have these symptoms make sure you isolate yourself. If you're sneezing and coughing
you use a tissue, so that you don't spread it to others around you. Also, every year
it's important to check with your doctor to determine if you should get the seasonal flu
shot.