So you’re not feeling well.  You have a stuffy nose, and are feeling weak? It could be a cold coming on, or it could be the flu. Knowing how to differentiate between the two is very important in treating it right away. Some of the symptoms are very similar, but there are some that are different that you need to pay close attention to in order to start the right treatment, or know if you need to see your doctor. Read on to be prepared for the upcoming cold/flu season.
The common cold usually comes on with a feeling of slight fatigue, a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. A cold is made up of 200 different viruses that are continually morphing into other cold viruses, and this is why there is no cure. They attack the nose and throat, and this is where the symptoms occur. Colds are not life-threatening to most, and last around ten days. Antibiotics are not recommended as they are not effective in treating the virus. Rest, lots of fluids, over the counter medication to alleviate the symptoms including a possible low grade fever, and mom’s chicken soup is all you will need for relief. A cold is highly contagious, and it is the most common illness in the world.
Influenza, or the flu, is a different story. Flu symptoms come on very quickly, including fever and chills, body aches, and extreme fatigue that can last for several weeks. Antibiotics are not effective for the flu either; however, many people come down with other illnesses as a result of the flu, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinus infections, which are treated with antibiotics. Be sure to see your doctor if the symptoms are severe for more than 3 days. Over the counter medications, as well as rest and fluids are usually helpful in alleviating symptoms. There are medications available with a prescription from your doctor that may help to shorten the symptoms, such as Tamiflu.
As the old adage goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  Taking precautions to avoid both a cold and the flu are important. Frequent hand-washing is your first defense in avoiding any virus related illness. Also, avoid being around anyone who is sneezing and/or has a fever. A flu vaccination should be obtained yearly for everyone over the age of six months. This is of utmost importance to the very young and elderly, as well as people with compromised immune systems or respiratory disease, as the flu can be fatal to those in these categories. Flu shots are readily available, even at grocery stores and pharmacies, with the new vaccines for each year available in late summer or early fall.
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