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A cold and the flu (also called influenza) are alike in many ways. But the flu can sometimes lead to more serious problems, such as pneumonia.
A stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing are usually signs of a cold. Tiredness, fever, headache, and major aches and pains probably mean you have the flu.
Coughing can be a sign of either a cold or the flu. But a bad cough usually points to the flu.
You usually do not have to call your doctor right away if you have signs of a cold or flu. But you should call your doctor in these situations:
A flu shot can greatly lower your chance of getting the flu. The best time to get the shot is from the middle of October to the middle of November, because most people get the flu in the winter.
The shot can't cause the flu. But you may feel sore or weak or have a fever for a few days.
Almost all people who want to lower their chance of coming down with the flu can get a flu shot.
Flu shots are most important for:
Talk to your doctor before you get the shot if you:
If you are one of those who should not get the flu shot, ask your doctor about prescription medicine to help prevent flu.
And if you get the flu, taking this medicine within the first 48 hours can make your illness less serious.
Antibiotics won't work against cold and flu germs.
And, you should take antibiotics only when really needed.
A cold usually lasts only a few days to a week. Tiredness from the flu may continue for several weeks.
To feel better while you are sick:
Make sure the label states that it treats your symptoms.
If you
want to: |
Choose
medicine with: |
---|---|
Unclog a stuffy nose | Nasal decongestant |
Quiet a cough | Cough suppressant |
Loosen mucus so that you can cough it up | Expectorant |
Stop runny nose and sneezing | Antihistamine |
Ease fever, headaches, minor aches and pains | Pain reliever (Analgesic) |
Do not give aspirin or other salicylates to children or teen-agers with symptoms of a cold or flu.
If you aren't sure if a product has salicylates, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Young people can get sick or die from a rare condition called Reye syndrome if they take these medicines while they have these symptoms.
The FDA may have an office near you. Look for the number in the blue pages of the phone book.
You can also call the FDA on its toll-free number: (888) INFO-FDA (463-6332).
Or you can find the FDA on the Internet at www.fda.gov
The Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that makes sure medicines for illnesses like colds and flu work and are safe.
Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration
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Rockville, MD 20857
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