Cold and flu season is upon us, and sure enough, I’m just getting over a cold.
It can be hard to tell the difference between flu and common cold symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), both are respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. So how can you tell the difference between the two? I did a little research and came across a list of symptoms to help determine if you should be treating a cold or the flu:
Flu symptoms:
Sudden onset of illness
High fever
Extreme fatigue
Dry cough
Achy head
Achy muscles
Chills
Cold symptoms:
Slow onset of illness
Low or no fever
Mild fatigue
Severe cough and runny or stuffy nose
No headache
No achy muscles
No chills
Source: KidsHealth.org The Nemours Foundation
If you are anything like me, and you’ve recently had a cold or the flu this season, you may already be thinking about ways to avoid the sniffles in the future. The single best way to protect yourself and others against the flu is to get a vaccination each year. There are two kinds of flu vaccines available: the flu shot and the nasal-spray flu vaccine. In general, all healthy people should get vaccinated. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine.
The CDC also recommends that you take the following everyday actions to stay healthy during cold and flu season:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
· Wash your hands with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand rubs are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
· Stay home if you are sick. And limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
· Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like bedside tables, bathroom surfaces, children’s toys, door knobs, light switchers, and telephones.
These are just a few tips on how you can help protect yourself, your family and those around you from spreading germs that cause cold and flu viruses. Following these healthy habits can help you lead a healthier life!
