Frequently asked questions and answers about influenza

Translation of a section of the page "Frequently asked questions and answers about influenza" from the website of the German epidemic authority RKI. - Original here 

What is the difference between a cold and an influenza disease?

A cold is often called a "flu-like infection", but has nothing to do with the real flu (influenza). An influenza illness is caused by influenza viruses. It can be accompanied by a sudden onset of the illness with fever or a distinct feeling of illness, combined with muscle and/or headaches and chesty cough (see "What is the clinical picture of influenza?"). It can lead to complications such as pneumonia, especially in older people, the chronically ill and pregnant women, and can then be fatal. It is possible to be vaccinated against influenza and specific antiviral drugs are available for therapy in the event of illness (see FAQ on influenza vaccination).

Colds on the other hand are caused by more than 30 different pathogens (e.g. rhino and corona viruses). Symptoms include sore throat, rhinitis and cough, and more rarely elevated temperature or fever. In individual cases, however, such as in immunocompromised people and small children, a cold can also lead to serious complications. There are no vaccines against cold viruses.

It is often not possible to differentiate between influenza and cold on the basis of symptoms. It is therefore also important for doctors to know which viruses are currently circulating in the population. In the midst of the flu epidemic, the probability that a patient will have the flu is high even if the symptoms are mild. Information on circulating respiratory viruses can be found on the website of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Influenza (AGI). For information on when laboratory diagnostics are recommended, see the question "How can an influenza disease be diagnosed?  

Last update: 25.09.2019

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