Symptoms of winter flu Vs cough and cold caused by air pollution: Know the difference

Symptoms of winter flu: While winter flu is usually accompanied by high temperatures, chills and sweating, there is no fever in pollution related cough and cold (Image: Pexels)

• Flu symptoms often include fever, body aches, and sudden onset of illness
• Pollution-related symptoms develop slowly and rarely cause fever or body aches
• Eye irritation and symptoms worsening outdoors suggest pollution, not flu

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Cough, cold, sore throat and breathing problems are common in winter. These symptoms are mostly diagnosed as seasonal flu. But in cities dealing with poor air pollution, particularly in winter, residents can complain of the same health problems. Smoke, dust, and dangerous pollutants can inflame the respiratory system, making it difficult to distinguish between the causes.

It matters, because the treatment and precautions for flu and pollution-induced illness are not the same. While flu typically requires rest, hydration and sometimes medication, symptoms related to pollution call for less exposure and protection of the airways.

"Identifying some key differences like fever, body aches, and sudden onset of symptoms can help people differentiate between the two causes," Dr Kartik Thakkar, Consultant Medicine, Ruby Hall Clinic, tells Moneycontrol.

How to identify symptoms

Check for fever

One of the biggest symptoms of flu or viral infectionis fever. The winter flu is usually accompanied by high temperatures, chills and sweating. Cough and cold caused by pollution, on the other hand, are not usually accompanied by fever.

Also read | Fight allergies: Doctor shares simple nutrition tips to keep your family safe from seasonal flu this winter

See how the symptoms appear suddenly

Symptoms of flu usually come overnight and can turn severe, often within a day. You can wake up in a state of utter exhaustion. However, it is likely that pollution-related symptoms emerge slowly and increase based on your exposure to poor quality air.

Body aches and fatigue

Flu is usually characterised by severe body aches, muscle pain, headache, and extreme tiredness. The respiratory system and eyes are the body parts that are mostly irritated by pollution and do not engage the whole body with pain or excessive exhaustion.

Also read | Seasonal influenza: Everything you need to know about the viral infection

Check your eyes, nose, throat

Pollution leads to burning eyes, excessive watering, dry and scratchy throat, and irritation of the nose. Though flu may lead to sore throat and a runny nose, eye irritation is much more significant when it is caused by air pollution.

Check if your symptoms vary with location

The behavior of your symptoms is a major hint. If you cough, feel breathless and are more irritated when outdoors, in traffic jams, or during the early mornings and late evenings, it is most probably caused by pollution. Symptoms of the flu do not change according to your location.

Track the duration of your symptoms

Flu is typically predictable and heals in 7-10 days when it is rested and taken care of. Symptoms of pollution may last weeks and recur constantly in case the quality of air is low.

Check if people around you are sick

Flu is highly contagious and hence other family members or colleagues may fall ill at the same time. The symptoms associated with pollution are not contagious and tend to have different effects on people based on their sensitivity and exposure level.

FAQs on Winter Flu Symptoms

1. What are common winter flu symptoms?

Fever, cough, cold, sore throat, and breathing problems are common winter flu symptoms. Other indicators include chills, sweating, body aches, and fatigue.

2. How to differentiate between flu and pollution-induced symptoms?

Flu symptoms often include fever and sudden onset, while pollution-related issues develop gradually and lack fever. Eye irritation is more common with pollution.

3. How quickly do flu symptoms appear?

Flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and can become severe within a day, often leading to extreme tiredness and body aches.

4. Do flu symptoms change with location?

Flu symptoms remain consistent regardless of location. Pollution-related symptoms, however, may worsen outdoors or during early mornings and late evenings.

5. How long do flu symptoms last?

Flu typically lasts 7-10 days with rest and care. Pollution-related symptoms can persist for weeks and may recur with continued exposure to poor air quality.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.