Battle the Flu

1/25/2016 (Permalink)

How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?

Colds and the flu cause many of the same symptoms. But colds are usually mild, while the flu tends to be more severe.

A cold often starts with feeling tired, sneezing, coughing, and having a runny nose. You may not have a fever, or you may run a low fever—just 1 or 2 degrees higher than usual. You may have muscle aches, a scratchy or sore throat, watery eyes, and a headache. 

The flu starts suddenly and hits hard. You will probably feel weak and tired and have a fever, dry cough, a runny nose, chills, muscle aches, a bad headache, eye pain, and a sore throat. It usually takes longer to get over the flu than a cold.

What causes colds and the flu?

More than 100 different viruses can cause colds. There aren’t as many viruses that cause the flu. That’s why there is a shot for the flu and not for colds. To keep from getting the flu, all children between six months and five years of age, adults older than 50 years, and people with asthma or lung problems should get a flu shot every October or November.

What can I do to feel better?

There is no cure for a cold or the flu. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Unless you have the flu and see your doctor within two days after your symptoms start, all you can do to feel better is treat your symptoms while your body fights off the virus. You can also use over-the-counter cold medicines to help you feel better. Do not give children cold medicine without checking with your doctor first. People who take prescription medicine also should check with their doctor before taking over-the-counter cold medicine.  

WAYS TO TREAT YOUR COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS

Stay home and rest, especially while you have a fever.

Stop smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke.

Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices, and clear soups.

Do not drink alcohol.

Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day if you have a sore throat. Throat sprays or lozenges may also help with the pain.

Use a nose spray to help loosen mucus and moisten the skin in your nose.

Can also treat symptoms by:

1. Sipping tea- Drinking the tea and breathing in steam stimulates the cilia—the hair follicles in the nose—to move out germs more efficiently. Lemon thins mucus, and honey is antibacterial."

2. Get a Protein Fix- Research shows that diets that are too low in protein can deplete the immune system

3. Zinc It- Cold-Eeze lozenges with zinc for a few days. They relieve symptoms and can get you better faster.

4. Get what you knead- I receive massages once a month to increase my circulation, which boosts immunity by nourishing cells with more oxygen and blood. It also makes me relaxed and less stressed, and when you're less stressed, you're less likely to be a germ magnet.

5. Sweat It-  Sweating can help release toxins

6.Call it a day- Sleep is my most reliable defense against illness.

Should I call my doctor?

Most people do not need to see a doctor when they have a cold or the flu. But if you have any of the symptoms in the box below, call your doctor. 

EMERGENCY COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS

In children:

Fever above 102°F (38.9°C) or a fever that lasts a long time

A cold that lasts for more than 10 days

Trouble breathing, fast breathing, or wheezing

Bluish skin

Not drinking enough fluids

Earache or drainage from the ear

Mental changes (such as trouble waking up, irritability, or seizures)

Flu-like symptoms that get better but come back later with a fever and a worse cough

Chronic medical problems (such as diabetes or heart disease) that get worse

In adults:

Fever above 102°F (38.9°C) or a fever that lasts a long time

A cold that lasts for more than 10 days

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

Pain or pressure in the chest

Fainting or feeling like you are about to faint

Confusion

Severe vomiting

Very bad pain in your face or forehead

 Hoarseness, sore throat, or a cough that won’t go away

Contents Credit: www.health.com and www.aafp.com