Every year, as many as 200,000 people in the U.S are hospitalized from flu-related conditions, and millions more catch a cold.
With all the confusion surrounding the COVID-19 virus, it’s wise to know the most common cold and flu symptoms in 2020, because they each require different treatments.
First, let’s look at the symptom difference between cold and flu, so you can better assess which treatments would be best for you.
These are some of the most notable symptom differences between the cold and flu:
- Gradual symptoms are associated with a cold, the flu usually shows up suddenly.
- Fever, chills, and sweating tends to be associated with flu rather than a cold virus.
- Extreme fatigue and body aches are usually symptoms of the flu, but not of a cold.
- Sneezing is more commonly a symptom of a cold, but not quite as common with the flu.
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What Are The Symptoms Of The Flu?
Influenza is considered to be more of a threat to health than a common cold because the symptoms can lead to complications and hospitalization.
Children, elderly, and anyone who has a compromised immune system are more likely to experience more severe symptoms.
The influenza viruses can change every year, but the symptoms remain relatively similar.
Here are the most common flu symptoms in 2020:
Headaches
A headache can be brought on by many factors, but it can also be one of the first signs of the flu. If you feel more lethargic than usual and your head starts to feel heavy or aching, there’s a chance the flu is pending.
Fever
A classic symptom of the flu is the sudden rise in body temperature, however not everyone with the flu reports a fever. If you’re experiencing this symptom, you can help to calm the chills and sweating either with an over-the-counter remedy, or a homeopathic cold and flu medicine.
Body Aches
Head to toe aches are one of the toughest symptoms to deal with, especially for those with limited mobility such as the elderly. When the flu strikes, full body aches, and skin that feels painful to touch are common symptoms. Natural remedies for cold and flu symptoms such as those containing neem leaf extract and aconitum napellus can provide effective relief from painful muscle aches.
Diarrhea And Nausea
According to the CDC, diarrhea and nausea have been reported as flu symptoms in 2020, though they say it is more common in children than in adults. Always consult with a health professional if you are experiencing diarrhea and nausea as it can lead to severe dehydration.
What Are The Symptoms Of The Flu Vs Coronavirus?
The flu and COVID-19 do share many similar symptoms including fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, headaches and muscle pain, however there are a few symptoms to help differentiate.
- Change in loss of taste or smell is often reported with coronavirus
- The flu usually has more of a sudden onset
- Sneezing or stuffy nose is not usually is symptom of coronavirus
Now you know the symptom differences between cold and flu, as well as the COVID-19 virus, you can hopefully see which one may be the cause of the symptoms.
Once you have an idea which virus is causing your symptoms, you can better understand which type of treatment or medical attention you may need.
What Are The Best Remedies For Cold And Flu Symptoms This Year?
There are some excellent natural remedies for cold and flu symptoms that work to eliminate the virus that is behind the symptoms.
Homeopathic products containing olive leaf extract have been known to help fight off harmful pathogens and provide antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-microbial benefits. Furthermore, the oleuropein contained in olive leaf extract has been proven to strengthen the immune system and help protect against viruses.
Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset) is another homeopathic medicine often used for more severe flu symptoms. It can be taken at any stage of the cold or flu to help relieve inflammation and reduce the full body aches.
Echinacea is a commonly used herb that can help cold and flu viruses from progressing into full blown symptoms. It works by making it harder for an incoming virus to bind itself to a receptor in our body. A virus enters our cells via a receptor, but echinacea helps to block this binding process and helps to slow down the virus from replicating. That is why it has become known as one of the best remedies for cold and flu symptoms.
All-natural supplements such as the d-Lenolate Plus Cold & Flu provides a powerful combination of olive leaf extract, neem leaf extract, boneset, echinacea, aconitum napellus, and other homeopathic herbs for fast and effective relief. Not only is it a suitable match for the flu symptoms in 2020, it can help provide some protection for yourself and the whole family.
Use the symptom checker on the CDC website if you are worried about having coronavirus and follow the steps to take if you are sick.
Much of the time colds and flu can be treated with remedies at home, however symptoms can develop into more serious conditions, so it is important to recognize the warning signs and know when to seek medical help.
Author Bio:
Geoff Melcher is the President at East Park Research in Las Vegas, NV. East Park Research has conducted in-depth studies into the healing properties of the olive leaf, resulting in the development of a unique olive leaf extract formulation, d-Lenolate®.