“Are you tired, run down, listless? Do you poop out at parties?”
October started off flu season here in Kansas City and according to the CDC, peak activity occurs around February with reports of the flu tapering off around April or May. So if you are under the weather it may leave you wondering, is it just a cold… or do you have the flu?
Cold and flu viruses spread mainly by droplets, when people who are sick cough, sneeze, or talk. That means that you can get infected just by touching something someone else that was sick touched! Talk about bad luck.
We wouldn’t take what Lucy is selling, but we do have a few tips to keep you well this season. If you’re feeling a bit under the weather and can’t decide what is wrong, keep reading for some information about the cold and flu and ways to stay well this season.
The Common Cold
Symptoms include: stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, scratchy throat, and watery eyes.
- Colds typically resolve themselves. Limit exposure to the general public, and if you need to go out, be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Drink plenty of fluids and stay well rested.
- Cold medications can be helpful to remedy symptoms of a cold. Read labels carefully and check out the side effects before taking any over-the-counter medications.
It is always recommended that you consult with your health care provider before beginning any medication regimen or before giving any medication to children.
The Flu
Symptoms include: stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, dry cough, sore and scratchy throat, watery eyes, fever, headache, chills, body aches, tiredness, malaise, and nausea/vomiting.
Unlike a cold, the flu can be treated with antiviral medications. Stay home, get well rested, and drink plenty of fluids. Treat aches, coughs, sore throat, and fever with over-the-counter medications as directed by your doctor.
Both the cold and the flu can lead to more serious complications, such as bacterial infections that could require antibiotic treatment. If you begin to develop more serious symptoms of bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections, or a pneumonia, contact your primary care physician.
Prevention Tips
- Wash your hands often! Teach youngsters to wash their hands and to limit touching things in public during this time of year.
- if you are sick, limit your exposure to people and public places. You could be the best hand washer in the world and still pose a risk of spreading the cold or flu virus.
- Vaccinate against the flu! Did you know that when you get vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself AND your community?
Some people cannot get a flu shot due to age, health conditions, or other factors. The flu virus also changes yearly, and the shot from last year might not work this year. This is why it is important that you get vaccinated yearly to protect against new strains.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/it-cold-or-flu-prevention-symptoms-treatments