Cold or Flu: What are the differences between the two?
Both a cold and the flu are viral infections that cause similar
symptoms. A cold is only a minor viral infection of the nose and
throat, while the flu is usually more severe, with symptoms that
include the sudden onset of high fever and the addition of aches
and pains.
What exactly is the flu?
Learning the facts about flu is the first step toward protecting
yourself. The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection and
it is highly contagious. It is most common in the fall and
winter, and is caused mainly by viruses called influenza
viruses. These enter the body through the mouth, nose and eyes.
When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes
airborne and can be inhaled by anyone nearby. School-age
children are often the first to get the flu, which they carry
home and to other places in the community.
Recognizing flu in adults and children over 5 years.
Review these common flu symptoms. Are you or your loved one
experiencing some or all of them?
- fever
- chills/sweats
- cough
- muscle and joint pain
- headache
- fatigue and weakness
- sore throat
If you answered "yes," you should call your doctor immediately.
Get a diagnosis within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms
and, if appropriate, your doctor can prescribe an antiviral
medication such as Tamiflu. Tamiflu attacks the influenza virus
(the flu) and stops it from spreading inside the body.
You can get Tamiflu at http://www.epharmacypremium.com
Recognizing flu in children under 5 years.
Call your pediatrician if your child complains of or if you
observe:
- fever
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- nasal inflammation
- sore throat.
Recognizing flu in the 50+ population.
Older family members are also susceptible to the flu virus.
Common flu symptoms for individuals over 50 are:
- fever over 99