Colds & flu explained

What is flu?

Although the common cold and flu share similar symptoms, they are quite different infections. Flu is caused by a specific group of viruses known as the influenza virus. However, there are a number of different strains, such as swine flu and avian flu (also known as bird flu), with more forming as the virus mutates.

This is why people continue to come down with the flu each year and that there is the need to renew the flu vaccination each winter. Symptoms of flu are usually more severe than with colds. Additional symptoms may also be experienced - fever, nausea, chills and sweats, headache, aching muscles and loss of appetite.

The flu virus can be spread from one person to the next from day one and before symptoms appear. Hence, it is possible to spread the flu before one notices symptoms.