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1. What is the difference between a cold and influenza?
Both are viral infections of the respiratory tract, but they differ in type, intensity, severity and duration of symptoms. Flu symptoms are more severe and appear suddenly, while those of a cold are milder and come on more gradually. The complications that can develop differ as well--those associated with influenza are more severe (bronchitis or pneumonia).
2. Can cold weather cause a common cold?
No. Many people believe that a cold is caused by cold weather. But actually that is not true. Cold weather simply helps the virus enter the nasal passages. Cold temperatures block the protective action of the small hairs that line the nasal passages. In this way, the virus can penetrate the respiratory tract. Most viruses survive better when the humidity is low, which occurs during the colder months of the year.
3. Can vitamin C help prevent a cold?
Many people are convinced that vitamin C can help prevent colds. Actually, its effectiveness in preventing colds has not yet been definitively proven. However, vitamin C is useful in treating a cold, because it helps to relieve the symptoms a cold produces.
4. What causes pain during a bout of influenza or a cold?
Cold and flu symptoms are our immune system’s response to the viral infection. The viral infection stimulates the release of certain substances by the body which, in turn, stimulate the nerve endings responsible for pain.
5. Can a person with the flu transmit it even before the symptoms appear?
Influenza viruses are transported by tiny droplets. The droplets are dispersed in the air with coughs and sneezes. So, in general, the infection can be spread by anyone with the usual symptoms (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc.). Sometimes the virus can spread even before symptoms appear. But this occurs only through close contact, such as sharing the same glasses, towels, cutlery, etc.
6. Are antibiotics useful for treating influenza?
No. Influenza is caused by viruses and not by bacteria, so antibiotics are not useful for treating influenza. Antibiotics should be taken only in cases of secondary infection due to bacteria.
7. Can influenza viruses also affect animals?
Yes. Influenza viruses belonging to the Orthomyxovirus family, can affect both humans and animals alike.
8. Why are there different influenza vaccines every year?
Influenza viruses continuously evolve. That is why new influenza vaccines are developed every year. The vaccine stimulates the production of specific antibodies that attack the virus. If the virus strain is recent, the antibodies are no longer effective against it.
9. Who should be vaccinated against influenza?
Vaccination is useful for persons at risk, especially the elderly, children, individuals with chronic diseases, and anyone working in places where the virus can spread easily (offices, hospitals, schools, etc.).
10. Which type of medications are most indicated for treating influenza?
Flu symptoms can be treated with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agents. The most commonly used are those based on acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. Cough remedies and expectorants can be taken to relieve other specific symptoms.
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