Is the Flu Worse Than the Common Cold?

There is ample confusion about the differences between the influenza viruses and the common cold.

Most people assume that if they get the flu shot, they are protected from getting the cold.

Yes, both influenza and the common cold are respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, and it can be difficult to tell the difference.

But, they are caused by different viruses.

People with colds are more likely to have a runny nose, and generally do not result in serious health problems.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the common cold tends to affect 1 billion people each year.

The common cold can be contracted from inhalation or simply touching contaminated surfaces. Washing your hands often is generally the best defense from catching a cold.

Once you have a common cold, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids, and alleviate symptoms with over-the-counter products.

During the early 1970s, clinical trials were performed to investigate a common cold vaccine with an inactivated single RV serotype (RV13). This approach was abandoned in favour of testing of inactivated multivalent vaccines spanning 10 serotypes.

These vaccine candidates lost popularity when they failed to induce significant cross-protection amongst RV serotypes.

But, catching the influenza virus is different.

The flu virus typically spreads from person to person through the transmission of respiratory droplets. This means, whenever someone coughs or sneezes, it can spread to individuals in close proximity.

Uncomplicated influenza cases usually resolve after 7 days, but can persist for more than 2 weeks.

According to CDC guidelines, everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated each year to keep them safe from the flu. 

This includes pregnant women, says the CDC.

The effectiveness does not come from the vaccine, it comes from you. The flu shot is only as good as your immune system’s response to it.

If your body creates a strong response to the vaccine then your immunity to flu will be stronger. If you have a weak response, then your immunity will be weak, and you may get the flu.

Recently, experts from Yale University confirmed the effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies among different genetic profiles.

They identified several gene "signatures," or groups of genes, that were associated with a stronger response to the flu vaccine.

The immunization response was determined by increases in antibodies that protect against infection.

“We were able to identify genes at baseline, before vaccination, that would predict how individuals would respond to the vaccine," said Ruth Montgomery, associate professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine and a study co-author.

These researchers also found that while the genes were predictive of a robust vaccine response in adults younger than age 35, those same genes did not improve responses in adults over age 60.

"Another finding is that genes that contribute to good immune response are different in young and older people," reported Montgomery.

For the 2017-2918 flu season, the CDC data shows the risk of flu illness can be reduced by 50% among the overall population. 

However, even during years when the vaccine is a good match, the benefits of vaccination will vary across the age-segmented population.

Most pharmacies offer several flu vaccines, such as trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines. The cost varies, depending upon your insurance, and which state you live.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides the private sector vaccine prices for general information.

Flu vaccine discounts can be found at this webpage.