Lethbridge Herald e-Edition

Understanding differences between Influenza, the common cold and the “Stomach Flu”

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES

It is that time of year again – when everyone is talking about influenza. What exactly is influenza? Should you get vaccinated for influenza? (Spoiler alert – the answer is YES!)

What is influenza?

Did you know that Influenza is NOT the same thing as the stomach flu?

Many people use the term “stomach flu” to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by a virus. Influenza is a respiratory disease - not a stomach or intestinal disease.

There is a lot to understand about the differences between Influenza, the common cold and the “Stomach Flu.” The chart below can help us understand the differences between these three illnesses:

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