Symptoms: Typically mild, resembling a cold with cough, runny nose, sore throat, and slight fever. Nausea and vomiting can occur. Symptoms usually clear in about five days.
Severe Cases: Can lead to bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, especially in those with weakened immune systems.
Transmission: Spreads through coughs, sneezes, and droplets. Rest, hydration, and isolation are key.
Testing: Often not tested for unless hospitalized, using rapid antigen or PCR tests.
Symptoms: More intense than a cold, with chills, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues.
Severity: Can be fatal, especially among the vulnerable, due to complications like pneumonia.
Differences: Affects the whole body, not just the upper airways.
Symptoms: Restricted to the upper airways, with runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and congestion.
Causes: Rhinoviruses are common, but over 200 viruses can cause a cold.
Myth: Cold weather doesn't cause a cold; a weakened immune system makes you more susceptible.
Source: GICexpat
