More Than A Cold
I don’t know about you but every winter I seem to learn about a new weather pattern, this year introduced the polar vortex. Perhaps this is not new terminology, and maybe since I have to travel for my job, I am always concerned about the weather. This weather event, as we all know now, brings extreme winter cold blast patterns that seem to have surpassed for now. Currently, the deep freeze is over, and more tolerable temps returned; the long and short of it is that it’s January weather, sometimes cold and sometimes even colder!
Cold weather requires vigilance in not getting the cold or flu. Flu season has hit the halfway point; according to the Centers for Disease Control, cases are spiking. As temperatures drop throughout the country, more people develop flu symptoms.
What are the best ways to protect yourself and others this year?
- Get the flu vaccine
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water when possible
- Avoid contact with viral particles (i.e., Phones, tissues, and door knocks)
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with your fingers
- Use hand sanitizer frequently to stop the spread of germs
- Use disposable wipes
- Get plenty of sleep and eat a well-balanced diet
- Stop smoking
- Get regular exercise
- Zinc and Selenium supplements may help
Do you know the difference between a cold and the flu?
Flu season has hit the halfway point; however, according to the Centers for Disease Control, cases are spiking.
Initially, the flu may seem like a cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. However, colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. Although a cold can be a nuisance, you usually feel much worse with the flu.
Causes of the flu:
Flu viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets or pick up the germs from an object – such as a telephone or computer keyboard – and then transfer them to your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Risk Factors that may increase your risk of developing the Flu:
Age: Seasonal influenza tends to target young children and people over 65. The pandemic H1N1 that surfaced in 2009, however, appeared to be most common in teenagers and young adults.
Occupation: Healthcare workers and childcare personnel are more likely to have close contact with people infected with influenza.
Living conditions: People living in facilities and many other residents, such as nursing homes or military barracks, are more likely to develop influenza.
Weakened immune system: Cancer treatments, anti-rejection drugs, corticosteroids, and HIV/AIDS can weaken your immune system. This can make it easier for youth to catch influenza and may increase your risk of developing complications.
Chronic illnesses: Chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart problems, may increase your risk of influenza complications.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women are more likely to develop influenza complications, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
Complications: Seasonal influenza usually isn’t severe if you are young and healthy. Although you may feel miserable while you have it, the flu usually disappears with no lasting effects. But high-risk children and adults may develop complications such as:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
Pneumonia is the most common and profound illness. It can be deadly for older adults and people with chronic illnesses. The best protection is vaccination against both pneumococcal and influenza.
Flu Treatment/Drugs:
Usually, you’ll need nothing more than bed rest and plenty of fluids to treat the flu. But sometimes, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). If taken soon after you notice symptoms, these drugs may shorten your illness by a day and help prevent serious complications.
The long and short of it: There is a big difference between having a cold and the flu regarding symptoms, onset, aches/pain, degree of fatigue, and duration.
Thanks to the Mayo Clinic for information regarding cold vs flu.