Arun Lakshmipathy, M.D., program director for Sun Health Senior Living’s three Life Care communities, recently answered questions about giving colds and flu the “cold shoulder.”
What are the differences between the common cold and the flu?
Common symptoms for a cold include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, a cough and chest discomfort. A fever or a headache are rare. Fatigue is usually slight.
Common flu symptoms include a high fever (102-104 degrees), headache, muscle and body aches, chills and severe fatigue or exhaustion, especially at the onset.
These also may be accompanied by cold-like symptoms.
What are more serious symptoms of the flu?
Shortness of breath, and persistent high fever, coughing, phlegm, muscle pain, fatigue or vomiting and diarrhea may require a higher level of care, including hospitalization. However, these cases are rare and most often seen in the very young or very old.
What are some common mistakes people make once they catch the flu?
Delay in seeking treatment. Treatment with an antiviral works best when it’s started within 48 hours of developing flu-like symptoms.
What are some additional measures people can take to prevent colds or the flu?
Get a yearly flu vaccine shot and encourage your loved ones to do the same.- Wash your hands to reduce the spread of germs, especially during and after you are out in public.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth to prevent spreading germs to vulnerable parts of your body.
- Immediately throw away all used tissues.
- Cover all coughs and sneezes with your hands (washing them afterwards), or cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect all high-touch, common areas daily.
- If you have the flu, stay home to prevent spreading it to others.
- Drink fluids, and get plenty of rest and sleep.
- Use a humidifier to moisten the air.
- Gargle with warm salt water, or drink warm water with lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medications to treat the flu.
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