Cold and flu season is upon us, and it can be a difficult time for many people. Cold and flu viruses affect millions of individuals around the world each year and can have a major impact on an individual’s ability to carry out their day-to-day activities.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu? The two illnesses share some common symptoms, such as body aches, fever and a runny nose, but they can vary greatly in severity and duration. Generally, colds are milder illnesses than the flu and tend to last a few days and cause fewer complications. On the other hand, the flu can linger for up to two weeks and can lead to more serious health issues, like bacterial pneumonia.
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the cold and flu viruses. Start by washing your hands often with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer when you’re not near a sink. Disinfect commonly used surfaces like doorknobs and phones, and avoid close contact with people who have cold or flu-like symptoms.
It’s also important to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends yearly vaccinations for everyone who is six months old or older. The flu vaccine is designed to protect those who receive it from getting the flu, and it can also help reduce the severity of the illness in those who do get it.
Symptoms of both the cold and the flu usually appear suddenly and can include fever, headache, achiness, fatigue, coughing, sneezing and a sore throat. In addition, if you have the flu, you may feel much more fatigued than with a cold.
If you do come down with a cold or the flu, the best thing to do is to rest and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate some of the symptoms, but when it comes to the flu, antiviral drugs like Tamiflu can be used to reduce the severity and duration of the illness if taken early.
Cold and flu season can be a challenging time, but taking some precautions and being aware of symptoms can help you protect yourself and your loved ones. Get your flu shot, practice good hygiene and always contact your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about any symptoms.