Is It a Cold or the Flu? - Consumer Focus - FCIC

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Consumer Focus: Is It a Cold or the Flu?
This is an archived document.

Is It a Cold or the Flu? Colds and flu (also called "influenza") can occur anytime but appear mostly in the fall and winter. How can you tell the difference? A cold tends to come on gradually but the flu hits very fast and lasts longer. The symptoms for colds and flu can be similar; both can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and fever, but the flu can also leave you with a "wiped-out" feeling, a headache, chills and body aches. Learn more about: The Common Cold Fighting the Flu Relieving the Symptoms Kids, Colds and Flu Tips for Avoiding the Cold and Flu Other Resources E-mail This Information to A Friend Other Topics in The Consumer Focus Archive Posted: October 1, 2002 Top

*The Common Cold* Many different viruses can cause a cold. Symptoms usually last for about a week, but can last longer especially in children, elderly people, and those in poor health. Colds are highly contagious - see the tips below on how to avoid catching a cold. Exposure to cold weather, or getting chilled or overheated has little or no effect on the development or severity of a cold. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for the common cold and no antiviral medication is effective in treating the common cold. Antibiotics should only be taken to treat bacterial complications that arise from colds. Top

Fighting the Flu The influenza viruses (A, B, and C) change constantly and new vaccines are developed annually to protect against new strains. So getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent and control the flu. October to November is the usual vaccination time for most people. In older people, those with chronic illnesses or anyone with a weak immune system, the shot may not necessarily prevent the flu, but can reduce the symptoms and risk of complications if you do get sick. Keep in mind that no vaccine is 100% protective and no one can catch the flu from a flu shot. You should not get the flu shot if: You are allergic to eggs or any component of the vaccine You have an acute illness and a fever You have had a severe reaction to flu vaccine in the past (consult your doctor). Most people recover from the flu within one or two weeks, but others, especially the elderly, may feel weak for a long time after other symptoms go away. There are several medications that are available for preventive use and/or treatment of the flu but they must be taken early on. Ask your doctor if use of the drug Zanamivir, Oseltamivir, Amantadine or Rimantadine (sold under different brand names) would be beneficial. Keep in mind that some of the side effects of these medications can be serious. Top

Relieving the Symptoms Whether you have a cold or the flu, it is important to drink lots of fluids to loosen mucus, and to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee or cola drinks) and alcohol as they have a dehydrating effect. If you smoke, stop! Stay way from other smokers; inhaling their smoke can further irritate your nose and throat. In some instances, gargling with salt water can help relieve a sore throat. If you have a stuffy nose, a cool-mist humidifier may help. Choosing Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines It can be difficult choosing which medicine is right for you since there are so many multi-symptom products available on store shelves. It is better to take a product that is specific to your symptoms. Taking medicine for symptoms you don't have many not necessarily be harmful, but it does unnecessarily expose you to medicine and the accompanying side effects. Nasal decongestants help to unclog a stuffy nose Cough suppressants quiet coughs Expectorants loosen mucous Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®, Children's Tylenol®) can ease fever, headaches, and minor aches and pain. If you have an upset stomach, you may want to ask your doctor if it would be better to take products containing acetaminophen instead of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Nonprescription cold remedies, including decongestants and cough suppressants, may relieve some cold symptoms but will not prevent, cure, or even shorten the duration of your cold. In addition, most have some side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, or upset stomach, and should be taken with care. Most of the time, colds and flu just have to run their course. However, if you aren't getting any better after about a week or your symptoms worsen, you should see your doctor as complications such as bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections, or pneumonia can result. Read the Medicine Label Reading the product label is important because many OTC medicines are taken without seeing a doctor. Be careful not to exceed recommended dosages or length of use. Many combination products - both prescription and over-the-counter - contain acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. If you are taking more than one medication at a time, be careful not to duplicate ingredients. Also read the package insert of your prescription medications to avoid any potential drug interactions. Be sure to check expiration dates and get rid of old medicine. The FDA has warned consumer against using OTC and prescription drug products containing phenylpropanolamine* (PPA) because the ingredient has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. This ingredient was commonly used as a decongestant in OTC and prescription cough and cold medicines before the warning was issued. Unproven Remedies Herbs and minerals and other supplements such as echinacea, eucalyptus, garlic, menthol, zinc, and vitamin C supplements have been getting a lot of publicity as cold remedies, but none of the claims made are solidly supported by scientific studies. There is no conclusive data that large doses of vitamin C prevent a cold, but the vitamin may reduce the severity or duration of symptoms. However, too much vitamin C over a long period of time also has side effects. Always tell your doctor about any supplements or herbal remedies you may be using - some side effects may result if you take these in conjunction with other OTC or prescription drugs. Top

Kids, Colds and Flu The symptoms children experience with a cold or the flu are the same as adults, but with the flu, children can also experience nausea and vomiting. Infants and young children are more likely than adults and teens to develop a fever ranging from 103°F to 105°F. When giving your child any OTC medication, be sure to read the label and use the dosing device that comes with the medicine to be sure you are giving your child the right kind of medicine and the right amount. Do not give aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines to children and teenagers as it may play a role in causing Reye's syndrome. Some medicine labels may refer to aspirin as "salicylate" or "salicylic acid". Be sure to discuss all medication choices with your doctor. If your child is not feeling any better after about a week, or if his/her symptoms worsen, you should contact your pediatrician or family doctor. Some warning signs to look out for include unusually high fevers and abnormal behavior - refusing to eat, crying a lot, unusually drowsy, holding their ears or stomach, and wheezing. Top

Tips for Avoiding the Cold and Flu Colds can be passed through coughing, sneezing, and touching surfaces such as doorknobs and telephones so it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes as this makes it easier for cold and flu viruses to enter your body. Avoid contact with others who have a cold or the flu. Keep surfaces clean with a virus-killing disinfectant to help prevent the spread of infection. A solution of 1 part bleach mixed with 10 parts water is also effective in killing viruses. If your child has a cold, wash his/her toys after play. Eat a balance diet, get enough sleep and avoid stress (some studies have shown that increased stress increases your susceptibility to cold and flu infections). Please be advised that online health information, or any other information you may gather, should only be used as a means of supplementing the information you receive from your health care provider. You should always consult with your physician before taking any new medication or changing your medical treatment. Top*

Other Resources This is just a brief overview. For more information on colds and flu check out these resources. Read these publications online or order them from FCIC: Beat the Winter Bugs: How to hold your own against colds and flu Drug Interactions: What You Should Know Got a Sick Kid? My Medicines Over-the-Counter Medicines: What's Right for You? The New Over-the-Counter Medicines Label…Take a Look! Publications available for ordering from the Health Page *Websites:** There are literally thousands of health-related Internet resources maintained by government agencies, universities, and nonprofit and commercial organizations. Below is a list of links to reputable sites that link to other sites with health and medical information. The list is by no means complete; it is offered as a jumping-off point. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Food and Drug Administration - Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition healthfinder® MEDLINEplus National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Library of Medicine NIH - Office of Dietary Supplements American Lung Association American Medical Association Mayo Clinic * Names of resources and organizations included in this online article are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that they are endorsed by the Federal Citizen Information Center or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular resource or organization is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that it is unsatisfactory. If you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's website. Please bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible for the content of these websites. Top*

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