Which Culprit is to behind my sniffles?

Paige Weatherbee
Aug 28, 2020
4 min read

This Cold & Flu season will have the added complication of COVID-19. Is that runny nose the common cold or COVID-19? Is that fever COVID-19 or the flu? These may be questions you end up worrying about, and for good reason.

This post is meant to simply breakdown the differences in symptoms, incubation, causative agents and what to do between the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19. This post however is not meant to be medical advice so if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this post, please consult your jurisdictions public health measures.

To begin with, lets go over the viruses responsible for causes these three illnesses. Most everyone has dealt with the common cold, but did you know that it’s a virus and not a bacterium that causes this illness? Listed below are the causative viruses for each of the culprits. They are all different, which explains why there is a range of different symptoms when it comes to the body fighting the infection.

Now, if you’ve come into contact with one of these viruses, either through inhalation or physical transmission (uncleaned finger in the mouth or eye etc), how long before you get sick? The answer to that depends on how strong your body’s immune system is! If you’re stressed and not sleeping, then chances are your immune system is not going to be at full force. This would imply that you could get sicker quicker. So while for some people, who can manage to fight off the virus for almost their whole incubation period, others can get sick just one day after exposure. The relative incubation times are marked below but again, the time it takes for you to get sick, really depends on how well our immune system is functioning. If you would like to improve your immune system, read my post on immune boosting!

So you know what causes the three different infections, you know how long it takes for the infections to take hold, how about how to tell the difference between the three? Overlapping symptoms can make what may seem like a normal cold scarier than it may be. Knowing the signs can help better direct care. What may also be more reassuring to some people is that adults get a common cold about 2-5 times a year according to some research. The likelihood of it being a cold then seems higher than a flu or cold. That being said, as I stated above, you need to follow public health directives in your area. It is better to test and be sure, if that is what they determine to be appropriate in the case, then it is to potentially infect others.

If you suspect you have any symptoms relating to COVID-19, please follow your jurisdictions instructions on testing and isolation. If you have come into contact with someone who has these symptoms you may also want to inquire with your jurisdiction on what steps to take.

Know the signs and act appropriately. If you’re unsure, ask for assistance. If you have determined that the symptoms you are experiencing are that of a cold or flu and not that of COVID-19, there are a few things you can do.

Pascoleucyn is a Pascoe Canada complex homeopathic remedy that is meant for preventing the cold and flu, and also to help abate the symptoms related to cold and flu. Taking drops of Pascoleucyn at the first signs of infection may help reduce the total time in which you are sick or help reduce the severity of symptoms. To really pack a punch, Pascoleucyn Forte is available in ampoules that can be taken at first sign of infection. Pascoleucyn Forte may be combined with Pascoleucyn to possibly help homeopathically abate the severity of the common cold or flu. This homeopathic is safe for children 12 years and older and is easy as drops in water or tea to sip on through the day. There is no evidence to suggest that it is effective against COVID-19 and so please exercise caution.

Rest, sleep and nutrition are equally important for when you’re sick. Teas, soups, or any food that fills your belly is appropriate for when you’re sick with the cold or flu. Then, in between eating, taking the time to stay at home away from others and rest, will conserve your energy for fighting the offending virus.

Beyond resting and eating, there are a few supplements like the Pascoeleucyn that may help reduce the overall severity, but there is no cure. The cold or flu will run its course and leave you most likely more tired then you were before, but it generally should abate within a week. For that week, most Public Health jurisdictions are urging people to stay home and get tested if they feel like the symptoms match with COVID-19.

This is not medical advice and is meant to serve only as a guideline for outlining the different symptoms. Please follow all public health directives in your area and be compassionate for the people in your community. Stay informed and be vigilant.