The Truth About Viruses: Do I Have the Flu, or is This Just a Cold?

The influenza virus and the virus that causes the common cold are two distinctly different "animals". Though there are medications on the market that can actually lessen symptoms and shorten illness duration, you first need to know which one you have.

The Common Cold (Rhinovirus)

Rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, belongs to the Picornavirus family of viruses. More than 100 different types of the virus have been identified. Infection with Rhinovirus is generally self-limiting (goes away without intervention), and unless there are underlying problems, does not cause serious disease. A person can become infected with the cold virus with as little as one viable viral particle entering their nose, mouth or eyes, and because the cold virus is resistant to drying and some cleaners, it can be transmitted by coming into contact with items that an ill person handled and then touching one's face before washing one's hands.

Early symptoms generally begin one to three days after exposure and consist of sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat. The illness usually peaks on day three or four with mild headache and malaise, but the cough and nasal symptoms can persist for up to seven to ten days.

There is no vaccine available for the common cold, but sufferers may find some relief using over-the-counter remedies such as nasal sprays, cough syrups, and sinus tablets. The most important part of treating a cold virus infection is to treat the symptoms and stay well hydrated until the illness has run it's course.

The Influenza Virus

Influenza belongs to the Orthomyxovirus family, as a matter of fact, it is the only virus in this category. There are three different types of the influenza virus, but only two of them cause significant disease in humans, and they are type A and type B. The influenza virus has the ability to mutate quickly and easily causing different strains to circulate every year, thus the need for annual vaccinations. The virus is spread by aerosol droplets created when one sick person talks, coughs, or sneezes in the vicinity of another individual. It will then travel to the respiratory tract of the healthy individual and begin to kill the mucous secreting epithelial cells present there. This creates an environment which allows the virus to move deeper into the respiratory tract, sometimes even as far as the lungs.

After infection, it usually takes approximately two to four days for the symptoms to appear. Symptoms are usually mild for the first few days, and consist of headache, extreme exhaustion, and sore throat. This is followed by a sudden appearance of fever (usually 101 degrees or higher), chills, muscle ache, and cough. In normally healthy individuals it can take up to a week for symptoms to begin to subside.

The best way to prevent infection with the influenza virus is to receive the annual "flu shot" that is available each year. Scientists determine which strains are likely to be circulating each season and use those strains to produce the vaccine. Though it is not always a perfect match, many times some immunity can be provided which allows for a shorter and less serious illness. There are people with certain diseases who should not receive the "flu shot", so it is always recommended to check with your health care provider before making any decisions.

If a person can't get the vaccine, or happens to contract the illness before they have the chance to, there are some anti-viral medications on the market that can prevent or help shorten the duration of the illness. They are only effective if prescribed and taken within one to two days of influenza onset.

It is impossible to prevent the spread of the influenza and rhinovirus once an epidemic has started, but there are precautions that can be taken to help lower your chances of getting ill. First, get the "flu shot" if you are a candidate, and especially if you are a high risk individual. Second, try to reduce your exposure during the height of the season by staying out of public places as much as possible. Third, wash your hands frequently to help reduce the viral spread through objects like doorknobs and telephones. Lastly, and most importantly, communicate with your physician to determine your risk factors and what options you may have.