How to determine whether you have flu or common cold? Experts from the National Health Commission provide answers.

On January 17th, 2025, the National Health Commission held a press conference to introduce the relationship between current seasonal festivals and health, and to answer questions from reporters.

During the conference, a reporter asked about the current high incidence of respiratory diseases such as influenza. How can we determine whether we have flu or a common cold? Do we need to go to the hospital if we have flu? Can we treat it at home? If choosing home rehabilitation, are there any special things that need attention?

In response, Li Dong, a chief physician at Beijing Youan Hospital, said that after the onset of symptoms, we can preliminarily analyze whether it is flu or a common cold from the following aspects:

First is the epidemiological history. In the winter and spring seasons when flu is prevalent, if flu-like symptoms appear, especially after close contact with flu cases, if there are high fever, cough, sore throat, muscle soreness and fatigue, it is likely that you are infected with flu. Generally, a common cold does not have a clear source of infection.

The second is to look at the symptoms. Flu symptoms are more severe and onset is acute. Often there is a fever of more than 38.5℃, and in addition to cough and sore throat, there will be obvious systemic symptoms, such as headache, muscle soreness, and particularly fatigue. A common cold generally has low-grade or moderate-grade fever, and some people may not have a fever. The symptoms are mainly nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, which are lighter than those of flu.

For flu, not all cases need to go to the hospital. Those with mild symptoms can be treated at home by using antipyretic and analgesic drugs, as well as expectorant and cough-suppressing drugs, and generally can recover within 7 days.

If during home isolation, a fever of more than 39℃ occurs and the use of antipyretic drugs is not effective, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in a timely manner. If severe symptoms such as severe cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness appear during the illness process, or if there is severe headache, frequent vomiting, or consciousness disturbance, it is also recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner. If symptoms do not show a trend of relief after more than 5 days of illness, it is also recommended to seek medical attention.

Li Dong said that sufficient rest can lead to faster recovery. It is not recommended to go to work or school, visit relatives or friends, or attend gatherings while sick. It is also not advisable to receive visiting relatives and friends during the illness period to avoid infecting others. While resting at home, it is also necessary to avoid infecting family members. If conditions permit, you can stay in a separate room. If conditions are not met, try to maintain a distance from family members, keep windows open for ventilation, and wear a mask when in contact with family members, which can reduce the risk of transmission. When coughing or sneezing, use tissues or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. Immediately discard used tissues into a garbage can with a lid and wash your hands promptly.

The elderly, pregnant women, children, those with low immunity, and those with moderate to severe obesity are at high risk for severe flu. Once these people have flu, they are advised to seek antiviral treatment under the guidance of a doctor as soon as possible. During home rest and isolation period, attention should also be paid to rational drug use to avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are ineffective for viral infections.

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