Spotlight on Health

Are you ready for cold and flu season?

A cold is commonly caused by viruses contracted by breathing in germs from an infected person or through direct physical contact. You’ll probably notice the symptoms of a cold a few days after contracting the illness. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

Influenza – also known as the flu – is, like a cold, a contagious viral infection that affects millions of people every year. It is unpleasant to have and places those with weak immune systems at high risk for serious complications such as pneumonia, heart attack and stroke. Flu season generally starts in October and lasts until May.

To help avoid catching a cold or the flu, keep your immune system strong:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Wash your hands frequently.
Keep your hands away from your face.
Eat a healthy diet and drink lots of water.
Be physically active.
Manage your stress.
Get plenty of rest.
Get your flu shot.

The flu shot, a type of vaccine, is the single most effective way to protect yourself against the seasonal flu. Your body develops antibodies that protect you against the (inactive) viruses contained in the vaccine, which have been selected based on what is expected to hit during the current flu season. October to November is the best time to get a flu shot, but it’s OK to get it earlier or later. Since flu viruses change every year, it’s important to get a flu shot annually.

Common Cold and Flu Symptoms

If you experience some or all of these symptoms, you may have a cold or the flu:

Cough.
Sore throat.
Runny or stuffy nose.
Muscle or body aches.
Headaches.
Fatigue.
Fever or feeling feverish/chills.

What should you do if you get sick with a cold or the flu?

It’s important to know what to do when you or your family get sick. Stay home when you’re sick and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands often, rest, and drink lots of fluids.

And take those antibiotics, right? Wrong. Many people may not realize that, while antibiotics can fight infections caused by bacteria, they cannot remedy viral infections. This means that antibiotics won’t help you fight colds, the flu, most coughs, bronchitis, sore throats not caused by strep, or runny noses.

Unfortunately, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may actually increase your chances of contracting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment. The over-prescribing and misuse of antibiotics over the years has resulted in the increased presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Taking wrongly or unnecessarily prescribed antibiotics could also result in side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes.

The only cure for a viral illness like a cold or the flu is just to let it run its course.

However, over-the-counter medicines, if taken as directed, may ease some of your symptoms. There are also other steps you can take to feel better, depending on your condition.

Helpful Tips to Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to help alleviate symptoms:

Cough

Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower, or use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.

Sore Throat

Soothe with ice chips, lozenges, or sore throat spray. (Do not give lozenges to young children.)
Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
For pain or fever relief, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen.

Runny Nose

Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray.

Sinus Pain/Pressure

To relieve the pressure, put a warm compress over your nose and forehead.
Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray.
Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower.
For pain or fever relief, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen.

Ear Pain

Place a warm, moist cloth over the affected ear.
For pain or fever relief, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen.

Generally, for upper respiratory infections like these, also drink warm fluids, avoid smoking and airborne pollutants, and get plenty of rest.

Remember to inform your doctor of your condition, especially if it worsens or lasts longer than expected; they will know how best to treat your illness. You can also check with them if you have any questions about over-the-counter products.

Sources

For more information on surviving cold and flu season and on the appropriate use of antibiotics, talk to your doctor or visit the following resources: