Can you get the flu from being in the cold?

Answer 1

Yes, it is possible but infrequent in otherwise healthy people. Usually the body is infected with only one virus at a time. But, unless you are immune to that particular virus, it is possible to become infected at any time, regardless of whether you are already sick.

The immune system produces various antibodies, so if you are sick with a cold your immune system has already started producing more antibodies, some of which indiscriminately attack all foreign invaders. This is probably why, once you are sick with a cold, you are less likely to get the flu or anything else at the same time since the immune system has already been alerted and is working hard. However, it is not impossible, it has happened. You will know if you get both. Cold symptoms will pale in comparison to the flu and the flu will come on abruptly. What felt like just congestion and a runny nose will turn into a pounding headache, cold sweats, muscle aches and possible nausea. Moreover, the flu symptoms will probably end before the cold does.

Answer 2

Both are viral illnesses , there are scores of viruses that cause the common cold, and

a single family of viruses -- that cause influenza. Both the common cold and influenza

are illnesses of the upper respiratory system.

I would assume that if your immune system is not fully up to par that it would certainly be possible because of the fact that the common cold can be caused by alot of different viruses, I wouldn't think there was any discrimmination as viruses are opportunistic by nature. People with immune deficiencies often have to be very careful because there is so many viruses that in normal conditions their body would just fight off and maybe that's why we normally do not notice when we contract influenza virus and cold virus at the same time.

Answer 3

The common cold and the flu are caused by two different types of viruses so there really is no relationship between them or an illness you have from one or the other. You can have the flu without having had a common cold virus and vice versa.

Answer 4

No, the weather and temperature have nothing to do with getting an infection by a virus, like influenza or a common cold. See the related answers to explain why the flu has a season that is fall and winter when it is cold if it isn't because of the cold. See also the answer to the question can you catch a cold by being in the cold for more detail (the question and answer can apply to a cold or the flu).

Answer 5

Not typically since usually an otherwise healthy person has only one viral infection at a time. The common cold and the flu are caused by different types of viruses.

Answer 6

No, not possible. The "cold" is caused by one of over 300 different viruses, and influenza (flu) is caused by one of the several viruses.

Answer 7

It is possible, especially in the immuno-suppressed, but usually a person has one virus infection at a time. It is not fully understood why.

Answer 8

When you catch a cold, you have the virus that creates it inside you, you can still get more of the virus but you already have the cold