 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
||
 |
Cold and Flu | |
| The Common Cold and Influenza
(the Flu) It begins in late October and runs vigorously through March. The cold and influenza (flu) season is upon us. Some people develop very mild symptoms, while others are struck full force. Children average six colds per year, mostly during the school year, but adults have fewer. Spending a few minutes reading about the common cold and the flu may help you avoid getting a cold or flu this season, or help you feel better if you do get one. SYMPTOMS Symptoms of the common cold include runny nose, stuffy nose, head congestion, sore throat, coughing, hoarse voice, mild headache and swollen glands. Children often have a fever with a cold, but fever in is less common. Generally, a cold comes on gradually over one or two days, peaking at day three or four, and most of the symptoms are gone within a week. Many people will notice they have a colored nasal discharge starting around the second or third day and lasting for several days. (Please note that this does not mean bacteria caused the infection.) A cough often starts after a couple of days, and may hang on for two to three weeks. In children, the nasal symptoms often last up to two weeks. Symptoms of influenza, or “the flu” come on quite suddenly, and are characterized by a fever, usually greater than 101°, generalized body aches, fatigue, headaches (often severe), and pain that settles in one spot (often the neck, low back or eye muscles). People with the flu often say it feels as if they “got hit by a truck.” Although a person with the flu feels very sick, it rarely leads to severe complications, and is usually dangerous only to the elderly or those who are chronically ill. PREVENTION A flu shot given before the flu season will help to protect those who are most vulnerable to the flu – older adults and adults and children with chronic illnesses. Unfortunately, because there are hundreds of viruses that cause the common cold, there are no immunizations to protect you from getting a cold. Other than the flu shot, the best way to prevent colds and flu is to avoid exposure to the viruses that cause them. The common cold and the flu are viral illnesses that are spread from one person to another by coughing and sneezing, as well as touching. Since our hands may be the most common source of spreading viruses, frequent hand washing and keeping your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes can help prevent transmission of colds and flu. Other helpful things to do are cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, use disposable tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs, and use separate glasses, plates, utensils and towels. Also, do not share toothpaste with other family members, as this can spread germs from toothbrush to toothbrush. At home and in the workplace, people often spread cold and flu germs when shaking hands or when handling common things such as pencils, doorknobs, computer keyboards, copiers and telephones. If someone has recently handled them after sneezing or coughing, these things may infect you if you touch your mouth, nose or eyes after touching them. To help your body’s natural resistance, eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of rest. Many people feel that extra Vitamin C and the herbs Echinacea and Astragalus also boost your immune system. TREATMENT Because it is not bacteria but viruses that causes both the common cold and the flu, neither can be cured by antibiotics. Antibiotics also cannot prevent complications. Therefore, it is unlikely that I will prescribe an antibiotic to treat your viral infection. For tips on treating the symptoms of your cold or flu, click here. For tips on when you should call the doctor, click here. |
 |
||
|
This site is for information only. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician.