Influenza and the Common Cold
Posted on 1/7/2004
How do we know if we have the flu or just the common cold? Both colds and flu cause inflammation of the mucous membranes (found in the nose, throat and mouth). Symptoms for colds and flu can be similar, both can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough and fever. Symptoms generally last about a week or two.
However, people who get the flu usually know the exact day that it hit, whereas a cold tends to come on gradually. Along with coming on suddenly, the flu is more serious than a cold, lasts longer, and often leaves you with a wiped-out feeling, a headache, chills, dry cough, and body aches.
Young children may also experience nausea and vomiting with flu, but what many people call “stomach flu” is something different- probably gastroenteritis, which is usually caused by other viruses, bacteria, and toxins.
Rob Bathurst, MD with the St. Alexius Trauma Center says most of the time, colds and flu simply have to run their course, but when the cases become complicated, people should see their doctor.
“We look for and treat cold and flu complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and ear infections which are commonly bacterial infections. These infections may require antibiotics,” says Bathurst. “The cold or flu can potentially aggravate underlying medical conditions like heart disease and asthma and in those cases should be seen early by their physician. If you aren’t feeling better in a week or if your symptoms get progressively worse, you should see your doctor.”
There are ways to try to avoid getting a cold or the flu. These include frequent hand washing, avoiding people with either a cold or flu, and always sneeze or cough into a tissue and throw it away. Clean surfaces you touch with a germ-killing disinfectant, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
For those who already have contracted a cold or the flu, and it’s not serious enough to visit a physician, there are plenty of over the counter remedies available. Dr. Bathurst recommends only using those medications that specifically pertain to your symptoms, rather than a multi-symptom cure-all.
“Taking medicine for symptoms you don’t have may not be harmful..but unnecessarily exposes you to medicine and the accompanying side effects,” says Bathurst. “For those who suffer from the more severe strain of the flu-Influenza A- and need to see their doctor, the antiviral medication for it must be given within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Those symptoms again include fever, sore throat, headache, body aches and chills.”
He also says one of the best home remedies is drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, soup and non-caffeinated beverages. Rest is very important. Gargling with salt water can help relieve a sore throat. A cool-mist humidifier may help relieve stuffy noses. Keep the humidifier clean to avoid a mold buildup, which could be harmful if inhaled.
Some people also swear by unproven remedies such as vitamin C supplements, zinc lozenges, and Echinacea. There is no conclusive evidence either way for these treatments, but if you should decide to use them, always tell your doctor about them and don’t overdo it. Overuse can cause harmful effects. For example, too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea.
You can become prey to a cold at any time, but the flu season generally runs through March, and it hit early this year. Remember to take precautions and time to rest in order to not fall victim to either this winter season.