Cold and Flu Prevention
We know it is warm and it does not feel like cold and flu season, but we are in cold and flu season. In this article, we wanted to help you distinguish between the common cold and the flu and how to prevent transmission.
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. Flu can have very serious associated complications.”
To determine the difference between a cold and flu, the CDC suggests testing. “Only influenza viruses cause the flu, while many different viruses can cause colds. There is a vaccine to prevent the flu, while there is no vaccine to prevent the common cold,” from www.livescience.com.
Cold and Flu Prevention
Here is a short list from the CDC on how best to prevent and minimize the spread of the cold and the flu.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Biggest takeaways? If you are healthy and approved, get your flu vaccine. There is no vaccine for the cold virus, so cold and flu prevention is your best option. Wash your hands before and after eating, cooking, using the bathroom, and anytime you come in contact with someone who has a cold or flu. No soap and water? Use hand sanitizer.
Visit any of our locations for vaccinations and if you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms.
