Across the UAE, doctors face a constant parade of patients stricken with influenza. Only the majority of them actually aren’t. The problem is that the symptoms of flu and the common cold are so similar that people mistake the two conditions, seeking medical care where they don’t need it and burdening healthcare facilities.

While local medical professionals stress the importance of immediate treatment for those who do have flu, they are also stepping up an awareness drive to help people distinguish between influenza and a case of the sniffles.

“The right way forward is to alert the population to promote accurate self diagnosis,” said Dr Medhat Habib, an Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist at Dr Habib’s ENT Medical Center. “A proper understanding of the symptoms that distinguish colds and flu will prevent potentially harmful errors in self-medication.” Colds are caused by several viruses, the most common of which are Rhinoviruses, or nose viruses. Symptoms generally include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and possibly a mild throat infection. Depending on which virus has caused the cold, there may be additional symptoms like headaches, muscle ache or decreased appetite. The constant in most colds is that the nasal area is acutely affected.

A stuffy or runny nose can be treated by a simple and effective nasal spray such as Otrivin. This works on reducing swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, producing instant results that can last up to 10 hours. Sprayed once or twice in each nostril, Otrivin can soothe nasal irritation and dryness.

Sufferers from colds are able to do little more than try to minimize their uncomfortable symptoms. “Sleep is often the best medicine,” said Dr. Habib, “so steps should be taken to ease the discomfort a cold brings, such as nasal congestion.” Flu is a more serious illness and affects the entire body. Symptoms may appear similar to those of the cold, but are more severe. Unlike a cold, where the virus sets in gradually, flu often begins abruptly with a high fever, extreme fatigue, body aches and even dizziness and vomiting. While a cold my last up to seven days, flu may only last up to five. However, the virus may then settle in the respiratory tract, leading to colds, sore throats, ear infections or more serious problems such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

There is one bright spot when it comes to flu: it can be warded of by vaccines or anti-viral flu medications. Antibiotics can be prescribed to cure flu but it is best to consult a doctor before taking any medication.