FLU |Rupa Parmar, MD, shows a cough to help identify the virus this winter in Spain: "Consider the type of cough..."

According to experts, knowing the type of cough is a useful tool for early diagnosis at home.

Rupa Parmar, MD, highlighted the key to identifying the virus this winter in Spain: "Look at the type of cough..."

According to experts, identifying the type of cough is the most useful tool in home diagnosis.

Spain faces a difficult period for public health this winter due to the severity of flu infections.The death toll continues to rise and epidemiological forecasts indicate that the worst is yet to come, suggesting that the peak of flu will coincide with the Christmas season.This situation is complicated by the coexistence of other pathogens that spread further, such as Covid-19 and rhinoviruses, which cause the common cold and create a viral cocktail.causing panic and confusion among the populace.

For many patients who experience discomfort and doubt what steps to take or what treatment to follow, it has become a priority to identify what disease we are suffering from.Although most of the clinical symptoms share clear indications, there are nuances that allow us to identify the nature of the infection.In this context, renowned family physician Dr. Rupa Parmar has offered a practical guide to distinguish between these disorders by paying attention to the specific details of the body's manifestations.

Story: Tell me what cough you have and I'll tell you what I have

According to the specialist, identifying the type of cough is the most useful tool for the initial home diagnosis.This symptom, which is ubiquitous in the three pathologies mentioned above, varies subtly in terms of form and frequency. Dr. For Parmar, careful observation of this physical reaction is essential.

In the case of a cold, the cough is rather mild, non-radiating, and often accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose, which is obvious from the beginning.On the contrary, the disease presents a different picture.The expert points out that in cases of illness, the cough appears dry and often appears unexpectedly together with other symptoms.In the case of illness, everything happens quickly: the patient goes from feeling good to sad in a few hours.

As for Covid-19, the situation has similarities with influenza, but retains a distinctive feature.The cough associated with coronavirus is also dry, but is extremely persistent and long-lasting.As Dr Parmar detailed, many people suffering from Covid suffer coughing episodes that last more than an hour, or experience three or more intense attacks per day, marking a clear difference compared to the more sporadic coughing of other illnesses.

Germination speed and other indicators

Estimating how quickly symptoms appear can help put you at ease. Viruses work at different times. Although colds usually come on slowly, if patients notice that their condition gradually worsens over several days, the flu may appear immediately. A sudden onset of high fever, widespread muscle aches, and extreme fatigue are symptoms of the flu virus.

Discerning these patterns is essential to protect the most vulnerable.If you know whether it is Covid-19 or the flu, you can make responsible decisions, such as voluntary self-isolation or wearing a mask at family gatherings during these times, to prevent infection in the elderly or people with weakened immune systems.Also, each virus requires different treatment;We must not forget that antibiotics are useless against one of the three viral enemies, and their indiscriminate use only induces bacterial resistance.

La prevención como mejor estrategia

When in doubt, professional advice is the safest option.Dr. Parmer argues that there are key differences that make detection easier, but emphasizes that a doctor's opinion is irreplaceable if uncertainty persists."When it comes to health, prevention is better than cure," says the doctor, adding that it's important not to underestimate symptoms if they worsen over time or persist.

Protection by vaccination, especially in risk groups, and maintaining hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing are still the most effective barriers against infection.Smart planning of holiday gatherings and ventilation of closed spaces will help reduce the impact of this triple threat virus.Listening to our body and examining symptoms such as the type of cough, as Dr.Parmar said, it can be the first step in taking care of our health and the health of those around us during this holiday season.

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