Is it a Cold or the Flu?

How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu? Knowing the difference:

The common cold and the flu are contagious respiratory infections that affect  millions of people annually. Children can be affected more often than adults; and may catch a cold up to 10 times per year.

Generally the flu happens less often than colds.

Recognize the difference in the symptoms:

COLD:

• Low grade  or NO fever
• Headaches are UNCOMMON
• Mild fatigue, weakness
• Mild aches and pains
• Sneezing, stuffy nose
• Mild cough
• Sore throat

FLU:

• Sudden fever lasting 3-4 days
• Headache - prominent
• Extreme fatigue that can last weeks
• Severe aches and pains
• Sneezing, stuffy nose - sometimes
• Cough - can be severe
• Sore throat - sometimes

PREVENTION:

• Wash hands with soap and water
• Keep kitchen, restroom, toys, remotes, etc. clean
• Don't share food or drink items
• Avoid contact
• Avoid crowds
• Drink plenty of water
• Keep your hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
• Get plenty of sleep, exercise and nutritious food
• Get your flu vaccine

DON'T SPREAD GERMS:

• Avoid close contact
• Use tissues or inside of elbow for coughing and sneezing
• Wash thoroughly after coughing and sneezing
• Discard used tissues immediately

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Increase rest
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol

SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE:

• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling of faintness
• Severe sore throat
• Productive cough with colored phlegm
• High fever
• Symptoms last more than 10 days
• Fever with shaking chills
• Chest pain with breathing or cough
• If you have other health conditions

Mayers Memorial Hospital