Flu vs. Common Cold: Understanding the Differences & Prevention

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Many people mistakenly believe that any cough or cold symptoms indicate the flu. However, in medical terms, the flu has a distinct definition and cause compared to a common cold.

This misperception is quite common in Indonesia, according to Dirga Sakti Rambe, M.Sc, Sp.PD, FINASIM, FRSPH, FRCP, a vaccinologist and internist, and Chief Medical Advisor at Imuni.

“In Indonesia, there’s often a misunderstanding where any cough and cold is simply called the flu. Upper respiratory infections are often labeled as the flu, but that’s not accurate,” he said during a Media Gathering Bumame titled ‘The Future of Children’s Health in Indonesia’ in South Jakarta.

This inaccurate perception can influence how people manage illness, including determining treatment and prevention strategies.

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The Flu is Different from a Common Cold

According to Dr. Rambe, the flu is a disease caused by the influenza virus, making it different from a common cold. Understanding the distinction is crucial for appropriate care, and prevention.

“In the medical world, the flu is a disease caused by the influenza virus, and is therefore different from a common cold,” he explained.

A common cold is typically caused by various other viruses and tends to produce milder symptoms.

In contrast, the flu can cause more severe symptoms and affect the body overall.

Recognizing this difference is important so people don’t underestimate the flu, which requires more attention than a common cold.

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Flu Symptoms Tend to Be More Severe

One way to differentiate the flu from a common cold is by the severity of the symptoms. The flu is usually accompanied by a more intense feeling of discomfort.

“It can be challenging to distinguish the flu from a cough and cold. But clearly, the flu is more severe, you feel very sick, and it’s recommended to rest completely for one to two days,” Dr. Rambe said.

Flu symptoms can include high fever, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, and decreased daily activity. This makes it necessary for those with the flu to secure enough rest to allow their bodies to recover.

However, since the symptoms are similar, many people struggle to distinguish between the two conditions based on the symptoms they experience.

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Medical Examination Needed for Accurate Diagnosis

To confirm whether someone has the flu or just a common cold, a more accurate medical examination is needed.

“However, to ensure greater accuracy, a swab test like the ones used during COVID-19 can be performed,” Dr. Rambe explained. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and preventing complications, especially in vulnerable populations.

This examination can aid identify the virus causing the infection, allowing for more targeted treatment. Accurate diagnosis is also important to prevent complications, especially in vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

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Vaccination is a Preventative Measure Against the Flu

In addition to treatment, preventative measures are also important when dealing with the flu. One way to do this is through vaccination.

“The flu vaccine can be given annually, because the virus can change each year. The contents of the vaccine will also be recent and adjusted to the strains circulating at that time,” Dr. Rambe said. The annual updates to the vaccine are critical to maintaining protection against evolving viral strains.

The flu vaccine is designed to protect the body from the influenza viruses most likely to circulate during a specific period. Because the influenza virus is constantly changing, the vaccine needs to be updated regularly.

By getting vaccinated regularly, the risk of getting the flu can be reduced, as well as reducing the likelihood of severe symptoms.

Through a proper understanding of the difference between the flu and a common cold, people are expected to no longer misdiagnose the symptoms that appear, and to be more careful in taking preventative and treatment steps.

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