Is it a Cold or the Flu?
January 28, 2008
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
We all need to know the difference between a cold or the flu. A stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing are usually signs of a cold. Fever, tiredness, headache, cough and major aches and pains probably mean you have the flu. Flu symptoms seem to come on quickly, whereas a cold may come on more gradually.
To help avoid a cold or the flu, follow these preventive actions:
1) Avoid close contact – with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2) Stay home when you are sick which will help to prevent others from getting sick.
3) Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your upper sleeve.
4) Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, with warm soapy water.
5) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs can enter your body easily by these paths.
6) Get your flu shot – There are many strains (types) of flu viruses. Flu shots are usually made from the three strains most likely to make people sick each year. When you get a flu shot, inactivated (killed)) flu viruses are injected into your body. These cannot give you the flu, but will prompt your body to make antibodies to fight these flu strains. If you’re exposed to the same strains later in the flu season, the antibodies will fight off the germs.
If you have specific questions about the cold of flu, contact your health care provider. For more information about cold and flu visit the following websites:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/flu.html
http://www.kdheks.gov/flu/FluBugU.htm
