| Share the article: Facebook Twitter November 1, 2013 Fit Facts: Battling the Flu Fight and the Cold War When you’re feeling lousy, you don’t always care whether you’re nursing a cold or fighting the flu. You just feel sick. But not knowing should bug you — especially if you have something more serious. They sure are “catchy,” those cold and flu viruses. Although these bugs are open for business year-round, we get more infections during the fall and winter because we spend more time with others indoors. Different Viruses, Different Symptoms Colds and the flu do have a lot in common. They both can cause coughing, a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. But they aren’t the same. A cold usually: |
- Comes on quickly
- Lasts as long as two-to-three weeks
- Raises your temperature to 100 to 102 degrees F
- Causes a headache, as well as other aches and pains
There is no medicine to cure a cold, but bed rest, drinking fluids, gargling warm salt water, and using a humidifier can help tame symptoms. If you think you might have the flu, however, don’t go it alone. Talk to your doctor. If you are at high risk for complications, he or she might prescribe antiviral medicines to cut symptoms — and the amount of time you’re sick. When It’s Something More Serious Occasionally, a cold or flu can lead to another type of lung infection, such as bacterial pneumonia. This can be mild or quite serious. See your doctor right away for treatment if you have signs of pneumonia, including a high fever, “shaking” chills, chest pain when you cough or breathe, or cold or flu symptoms that suddenly get worse. Stop the Spread of Germs Help to stop the spread of germs by getting an annual flu shot, and: |