Not Every Cold Is The Flu

The Turkish Respiratory Research Society (TÜSAD) Infection Working Group made statements regarding the recent increase in respiratory complaints. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nigar Dirican drew attention to the fact that diseases such as cold, flu and swine flu are different diseases even though they show similar symptoms.

TÜSAD's statement said, "Not every cold is flu, its treatment may be different!"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dirican listed the agents detected in respiratory tract samples taken from patients who applied to health institutions with flu-like complaints: Influenza A (especially H1N1, i.e. swine flu), Rhinovirus (the main cause of the common cold), human coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Dirican stated in his statement that flu is a respiratory tract infection that becomes common every year in the autumn and winter seasons.

According to the statement, the virus is transmitted through droplets that are released into the air through coughs and sneezes. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear within 1-3 days and can last 1-2 weeks if left untreated.

In the treatment of flu, patients are advised to rest, drink enough fluids and use painkillers when necessary. Antiviral drugs can shorten the duration of symptoms. It is stated that the most effective way to protect against flu is to get an annual flu vaccine.

Swine flu is known as a type of flu caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus and has been transmitted to humans since an outbreak began in Mexico in 2009. The common cold is said to be a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dirican emphasized the importance of applying to health institutions to prevent the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses and reminded that protective measures should be taken.