WEBVTT

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A common cold is an infection
of the upper respiratory tract

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and is normally harmless.

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It is sometimes referred to as “flu-like”

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as the symptoms are very similar

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to those of genuine flu (influenza).

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It is caused by common cold viruses,

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of which around 200 different ones
are known.

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That means that someone
who has had one type of cold

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is not immune to another.

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There are many other viruses

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that he or she could be infected by.

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Typical symptoms of the common cold such as

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sore throat

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runny nose

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and coughing
can be very annoying.

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In severe cases a common cold
may also cause

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slight fever

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headaches and joint pain

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as well as weariness

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and a general feeling of discomfort.

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A cold normally clears up on its own

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after about a week.

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However many symptoms such as coughing

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can take up to three weeks

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to recover from completely.

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Common colds
occur much more frequent than flu.

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Genuine flu, also known as influenza,

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is caused by influenza viruses.

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People can also have
several flu infections in their lifetime

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because the flu viruses mutate over time.

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One difference
between flu and the common cold is

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that it does not just affect the airways

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but the entire body.

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It can be almost symptom-free, mild
but also very severe.

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Many symptoms of genuine flu are similar
to those of a common cold.

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In normal symptomatic cases of flu

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the symptoms occur more suddenly
and are more severe

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than they are during a common cold.

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Flu often causes high fever
up to 40°C or higher

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and generally starts
with a high temperature.

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The general feeling of discomfort

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with characteristic
headache, muscle and joint pain

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as well as
aching limbs, lassitude and fatigue

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is mostly more severe
than during common colds.

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Babies or infants with flu may also have
gastrointestinal symptoms such as

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nausea and vomiting.

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Most of the acute symptoms of flu,
like the common cold,

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improve significantly within a week.

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But in most cases
flu drags on for longer overall

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than a common cold,

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with coughing and exhaustion
typically persisting for longer.

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Certain at-risk groups

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with immune deficiency
or chronic pre-existing conditions

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are more likely to get
the severe form of the disease,

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which can be life-threatening.

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These groups include babies and infants,

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pregnant women,

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people over the age of 60

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or people with lung or immune diseases.

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These groups of people
are particular at risk

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of contracting bacterial pneumonia
on top of the flu.

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Although both diseases,
common colds and the flu,

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can have complications
due to additional bacterial infections,

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this is far more often the case with flu

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as it is the more severe
infectious disease.

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Symptoms of both common colds and the flu

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are treated
with painkillers or antipyretics.

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There are antiviral drugs for flu viruses
but these can, at best,

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only slightly shorten the duration
of the illness.

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Some people think

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that antibiotics can help against flu.

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However antibiotics are not effective

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against conditions caused by viruses.

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They are only used

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if people have a secondary,
bacterial infection.

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The focus is on preventing infection

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by hygiene measures
and strengthening the immune system.

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There are also vaccinations against flu

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that are recommended for at-risk groups.

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Since the flu viruses
are constantly mutating,

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the vaccine is adjusted from year to year.

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Flu viruses can cause
epidemics and even pandemics.

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In short:

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Common colds and the flu are caused

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by different viruses

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but have many symptoms in common.

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The flu begins quickly,
is often more severe

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and does not only affect the airways
but the entire body.

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Treatment of both diseases focuses mainly

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on symptoms
such as high temperature (fever) and pain.

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There is an annual flu vaccination
for prevention purposes

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that is designed particularly
to protect at-risk groups

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from contracting severe forms of flu.