Differentiating colds, flu and lung infections

A very enlightening article from Dr YLM of The Star.

By DR YLIM

WITH the avian flu and what not, I’m not sure I can tell the difference between having a common cold and a flu. Aren’t they one and the same? Should I panic if I get either one?

You shouldn’t panic, not in any circumstances. No, the common cold and the flu are not one and the same. People often confuse them, calling a cold the “flu” and vice versa. Colds are generally considered minor while a flu is more severe.

There are similarities between the common cold and the flu:

They are both caused by viruses

They are both infections of the upper respiratory tract, namely the nose and throat

They are both highly infectious and contagious
Even doctors sometimes can’t tell the difference between them. So when you present with similar symptoms, they will write the diagnosis as “URTI”, which means upper respiratory tract infection.

What are the differences between them?
Read more...Differentiating colds, flu and lung infections...The Star