Both influenza A and the common cold are respiratory viral illnesses, transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They share general symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, and fatigue. Doctor Bach Nguyen Tra My, from the General Internal Medicine Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, offers guidance on distinguishing between influenza A and the common cold for early examination and appropriate treatment.

A doctor from the General Internal Medicine Department examines a patient with influenza A. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

The underlying causes differentiate these two common respiratory illnesses. The common cold, also known as a cold, is a prevalent respiratory infection caused by various viruses, most commonly rhinovirus. In contrast, influenza A is an acute respiratory infection caused by specific strains of the influenza A virus, including H1N1, H5N1, H7N9, and H3N2.

Distinct symptoms characterize influenza A and the common cold. Patients with influenza A typically experience high fever, ranging from 39-40 degrees Celsius, from the onset. This is often accompanied by severe body aches, chills, extreme fatigue, and a persistent dry cough. Some individuals may also develop shortness of breath, chest pain, or profound exhaustion that disrupts daily activities. Conversely, the common cold presents with milder symptoms, moderate fever, less fatigue, and rarely causes the intense, widespread muscle pain seen in influenza A. Individuals with strong immune systems who contract the common cold often recover naturally after a few days of rest and home care. Symptoms of the common cold are generally mild, including a runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and sometimes a low-grade fever, lasting approximately 3-7 days.

The transmission rates of influenza A and the common cold vary significantly. Influenza A virus spreads rapidly, readily forming large outbreaks within communities. In contrast, while the common cold also spreads via respiratory droplets, its transmission rate is lower, its spread is more localized, and it rarely causes widespread epidemics.

Influenza A carries a higher risk of severe complications, especially in young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, or compromised immune systems. Common complications include bronchitis, viral pneumonia, bacterial superinfection pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, myocarditis, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory failure. Conversely, the common cold rarely leads to severe complications with proper care.

Accurate diagnosis methods differ for influenza A and the common cold. To precisely identify influenza A, doctors use rapid tests or PCR. Testing is typically indicated for patients in high-risk groups, those with severe symptoms, or individuals with clear epidemiological factors. For the common cold, doctors primarily diagnose based on clinical symptoms, and testing is rarely necessary.

Treatment approaches for influenza A and the common cold vary. For influenza A, doctors prescribe antiviral medication within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. Patients also need to stay hydrated, replenish electrolytes, maintain adequate nutrition, and manage fever with paracetamol when necessary. For the common cold, most patients only require rest, hydration, warmth, nasal and throat hygiene, and symptomatic treatment. The illness typically resolves on its own within 3-5 days.

During monitoring, certain warning signs necessitate immediate medical attention. These include persistent high fever unresponsive to fever-reducing medication, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, increased coughing with yellow or green phlegm, disorientation, lethargy, seizures, or, in young children, refusing to feed or inconsolable crying. These symptoms may indicate pneumonia or other severe complications.

Preventive measures are crucial for both influenza A and the common cold. Annual influenza vaccination helps reduce the risk of illness and the severity of infection. Additionally, individuals should wear masks in crowded places, wash hands frequently, sanitize surfaces, keep warm, and avoid close contact with those who are ill. Boosting immunity through adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and avoiding overexertion also contributes to prevention.

Thanh Ba