We’re starting a new topic that is dear to my heart, only because I have a personal connection in having participated in research in this field 20 years ago as a lab tech in the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases at the NIH.
But before we even really dig in, let's start with a very basic question: what is the difference between the common cold and the flu? The answer can be found in the above image.
Look at the temperature labeling! Both the common cold and the flu are caused by viral infections, and both start out as head colds. The fundamental difference is that in flu, virus may reach the lungs and cause widespread infection. In a common cold, this does not occur.
Here's a 52-sec. video showing a simplified process of how you get the flu.
Now, the next question I want to ask has to do with treatment of the flu. Has anyone ever been prescribed an antibiotic for the flu?
https://vimeo.com/148268843
But before we even really dig in, let's start with a very basic question: what is the difference between the common cold and the flu? The answer can be found in the above image.
Look at the temperature labeling! Both the common cold and the flu are caused by viral infections, and both start out as head colds. The fundamental difference is that in flu, virus may reach the lungs and cause widespread infection. In a common cold, this does not occur.
Here's a 52-sec. video showing a simplified process of how you get the flu.
Now, the next question I want to ask has to do with treatment of the flu. Has anyone ever been prescribed an antibiotic for the flu?
https://vimeo.com/148268843