Most common questions used to investigate
Do you know what causes the flu?
Do you know the typical incubation period of the viruses?
Are you an adult?
Do you have pneumonia?
Do you know how cold and flu spread?
Do you know if you're free of the virus?
Common conclusions
Cold and flu are caused by viruses, though not by the same ones. The common cold is caused by a virus called Rhinovirus whereas flu is caused by a virus called Influenza. Understanding this is important as both these viruses have varying gestational times and hence, their virulence and contagiousness may vary.
Understanding the incubation period is important because you may have the virus even before you feel any symptoms from it. But if you come in contact with others, you could easily spread this to others. The typical incubation time is about one to four days.
Most adults remain contagious for about five to seven days, during which time, they are expected to stay away from people who may have a compromised immune system. In children, it could last more than seven days and can even stay up to weeks, depending on the age and immunity levels of the child.
Pneumonia is a condition where one or more lungs can become inflamed and the air sacs can get filled with liquid. It is dangerous for infants, young children, and elders who are over 65 years of age. Though most times, cold doesn't lead to pneumonia, there are some rare times when this happens. In such a case, the contagion remains for a week or two and it is best you stay indoors during this period.
Cold and flu are spread easily from one person to another due to the droplets that come from the sick person's mouth while talking or coughing. These droplets remain suspended in the air for a certain time and it can enter another individual who may pass through. It also spreads by sharing clothes and utensils. Sometimes, the virus thrives on a surface as well, depending on its virality, and anyone who comes in touch with the surface can get infected.
Once you know that you don't carry the virus anymore, you can get on with your daily work and rest assured that you'll not be infecting others. If you've been prescribed any antiviral medications, continue taking them until you feel cured of the cold.
Most times, your symptoms will go away without any medical intervention because your body will make the necessary antibodies to fight the infection. On average, it takes about a week to recover though the cough may linger for a bit longer. That shouldn't be a worry because a person doesn't carry the virus after the cold symptoms are gone. The same is true for influenza as well, though this may require medical intervention in some severe cases.
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