The human body is a marvellous machine, but it’s also vulnerable to different viruses and bugs. Some of these illnesses can cause confusion as their symptoms may be similar to a cold. Here’s how to tell them apart:
| COLD | ALLERGY | SWINE FLU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | A cold is caused by a virus. There are many viruses that can cause a cold. You’re usually contagious from 24 hours before symptoms start and as long as they last, usually about a week. Viruses are most often spread by direct contact with infected secretions, e.g., touching objects such as handkerchiefs, doorknobs, or eating utensils that a person with a cold has touched before, and then touching one’s nose or mouth. | An allergy is caused by an abnormal reaction to a substance. This is not true for everyone, but some of us have immune systems that overreact to certain substances, or allergens. You can be allergic to food, dust mites, certain types of weather conditions, medication, preservatives, insect bites, and pollens. | Swine flu (H1N1 virus) is a subtype of influenza A virus, causing upper or lower respiratory tract infections. It resembles a common infection in pigs. It is spread from person to person and is highly contagious. Adults can be contagious from about 1 day before symptoms develop to 7 days after symptoms have developed. Children can be contagious for up to 14 days. |
| How your body reacts | Your immune system responds by attacking the virus with white blood cells. If your immune system cannot recognize the virus from a previous infection, the response is “non-specific”, meaning your body produces as many white blood cells as possible and circulates them to the infected sites. White cells produce chemicals to kill virus-infected cells, and this is what causes the nasal inflammation and swelling, increased mucous secretions, and the general feeling of achiness. Once infected with a specific cold virus, the body develops immunity to it in the form of “memory white cells” and antibodies, which will control the virus quickly in the event that it is encountered again. Immunity will prevent another cold being caused by the same rhinovirus for some months at least but does not protect against others. | When your immune system detects an allergen, it produces antibodies, or sends white blood cells to the area to attack the intruder. This leads to a chain reaction in the cells, ultimately leading to the release of potent chemicals like histamines. | Your immune system responds to the H1N1 virus the same way that it responds to the cold. |
| Symptoms | Sneezing and nasal congestion, a sore throat, and a cough are typical of a cold. You may also have a runny nose, headache, sore throat, cough, and tiredness. | These include a runny nose, itchy skin, hives, sneezing, a stuffy nose, red or watery eyes, a postnasal drip, or dark circles under the eyes. | Symptoms are similar to the flu: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, congested eyes, muscle aches, shortness of breath, weight loss, chills, sneezing, headache, runny nose, coughing, dizziness, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and fatigue. The symptoms can range from mild flu symptoms to severe respiratory symptoms, and even death. Because of the similarities to the flu, swine flu should be one of the differential diagnosis (a list of possible conditions that could be causing symptoms) in patients who have unexplained flu-like symptoms or acute pneumonia in an area with known swine flu cases. |
| Care | There’s no sure way to prevent colds, especially in children. You can try to stay as healthy as possible though, including: Wash your hands often, especially when you are around people with colds. Stop smoking. Smoking irritates the mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses, and lungs, which may make them more susceptible to infections. Keep your stress levels under control. If you are exposed to cold viruses, a high level of stress may increase your chances of catching a cold. When you have a cold, avoid sneezing without covering your mouth. Also, avoid spreading nasal secretions on your hands. Use disposable tissues rather than a handkerchief. | Depending on your specific allergies, some preventive maintenance at home could help control the environment, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Such preventative measures could include: Use special mattress and pillow covers to control dust mites. Vacuum and dust frequently to get rid of dust mites and other airborne allergens. Use an air conditioner in your home and car and change the filters often. Get rid of old bedding, toys, clothing, and other items that may be dust and mould carriers. Keep pets outdoors as much as possible and off the furniture. Bathe your pets regularly to reduce dander. Mop uncarpeted surfaces regularly. Remove overstuffed furniture and carpets to reduce dust mites. | Depending on the severity of symptoms of influenza, mild to moderate swine flu can be treated at home with rest, drinking plenty of fluids, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or paracetamol for fever, headaches and body aches, and antihistamines for nasal congestion and runny nose. People with progressive or severe symptoms should be hospitalized. In addition to the preventative methods laid out for colds, it is also advisable to take the flu vaccine. |
References
- Jilani T.N., Jamil R.T., Siddiqui A.H. (2022). H1N1 Influenza. StatPearls [Internet] (Online). Accessed on 28 July 2023. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513241/
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). H1N1 flu (swine flu). Mayo Clinic [Online]. Accessed on 31 July 2023. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swine-flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20378103
