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GDRSD |
Colds and Flus
| People are sometimes unsure as to whether they are suffering from a cold or the flu. In general, these are both viral infections. A cold usually affects areas above the neck such as the nose and throat. The flu, also called influenza, is more severe. It can come on suddenly, and it usually affects the whole body with aches and pains. This chart is a quick reference: |
| Signs and Symptoms |
Flu |
Cold |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fever, chills |
|
lower fever, if any |
|||
| headache |
usual |
rare |
|||
| general aches and pains |
|
mild, if any |
|||
| fatigue, weakness |
usual, often severe can last up to
2-3 weeks |
mild, if any |
|||
| runny, stuffy nose, sneezing |
sometimes |
Common, sometimes usual |
|||
| sore throat |
sometimes |
common |
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| cough |
|
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never |
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|
slight |
Treating a viral illness such as a cold or the flu includes drinking plenty of fluids to thin secretions and prevent dehydration, and getting adequate rest. A sore throat may be alleviated by gargling with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of water every few hours. There are many cold/flu remedies available- check with your health care provider to see what he or she recommends. NEVER GIVE ASPIRIN TO A CHILD OR TEENAGER WITH COLD OR FLU SYMPTOMS as this may cause the development of a serious nervous system disease, called Reye’s Syndrome. Your health care provider might prescribe an anti-viral medication, which, if started within 48 hours after the flu begins, may cause the symptoms to be milder and may speed recovery . Antibiotics will not have any affect on a flu or cold, because these medications do not treat viruses. Antibiotics may be prescribed, however, if there is a bacterial complication from the flu or cold, such as pneumonia,bronchitis or an ear infection. Prevention of the flu or a cold is best accomplished by staying away from someone else who has it. The viruses are spread when a person who has the disease coughs, sneezes, or speaks and the virus gets into the air, entering another person’s nose, throat, or lungs. Since a virus can live from 20 minutes to 2 hours on an object such as a light switch or desk, hand washing is another good way to avoid picking up an illness. Of course, those with the flu or a cold need to do the right thing for themselves and others - and stay home! I hope everyone gets through this winter in good health, and that any illnesses are mild and quickly overcome. Please remind your children to use tissues for coughing and sneezing, and to wash their hands often. (Information from Univ. of CA, Davis, CA State Univ., Long Beach, Nat. Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health,CDC, and Kids Health.) |