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 This is an archived document.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
* 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
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