The autumn and winter means too many Thanksgiving and Christmas. This time of year also brings sore throats and runny noses. Most of us will suffer from a cold or the flu during the winter. Keep in mind the fly can be a lot more severe and even life threatening. I want share some things to help you learn the difference between a cold and the flu to help your fall and winter be a healthier time.

The Common cold is caused from the rhinovirus, like other viruses the rhinovirus has no cute. A virus infiltrates a cell and rewrites the DNA to mimic the virus. From there it continues to replicate these viral cells.

Fighting the symptoms is the way to fight a virus. There is over 200 types of rhinovirus causing the common cold. The cold virus you get today may not be the same one you contract next year.

When cold viruses attack our respiratory system we end up with a cough, sneezing, runny noses and eyes, sore throat and we just don’t feel good. It is possible for people to function with a cold but often it takes all the strength we can muster up.

Compromising our immune system we become more susceptible to various viruses entering our bodies. This compromise comes from stress, not getting enough sleep or possibly other medical problems you may be having. No Matter the cause our bodies are not ready to fight a possible infection.

On the flip side the flu often keeps us in bed for several days. A runny nose and cough is like a piece of cake when comparing it to the flu virus. Here are some facts about the flu.

The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It is also a respiratory condition but it is more severe than a cold and can cause death in some cases. The flu virus has identifiable strains that scientists have used to create vaccines. The vaccines try to cover all bases but it is possible to be vaccinated against one strain and still contract another.

Each year a flu vaccine is recommended for several age groups. Children who are under five years old, the elderly as well as anyone who has an immune-compromised issue going on, they are advised to get this vaccine. A Spray form is a new way of administering this vaccine.

The sneaky part is the symptoms of the Flu start of similar to those of a cold. There is coughing, sneezing and stuffy nose. Achy muscles are a telltale sign of the flu. You feel as if you whole body hurts. After that, the nausea, vomiting and fever attack you.