Difference Between Cold and Flu; J.Crew Trench Cape with J.Crew Camouflage Foundry Pant

The flu season this year is no joke. In Central Pennsylvania, there were many fatalities associated with this year’s severe outbreak. Hopefully, no one is confused about what their symptoms mean. The question is, do you know the difference between cold and flu?

Difference Between Cold and Flu; J.Crew Trench Cape; J.Crew Camouflage Foundry Pants; Jeffrey Campbell Siren Bootie

Difference Between Cold and Flu; Camouflage Foundry Pant; Trench Cape

Difference Between Cold and Flu; J.CrewTrench Cape; J.Crew Camouflage Foundry Pant; Jeffrey Campbell Siren

I am not a fan of adult vaccinations, especially the flu shot. But this year, I got the influenza vaccine, mainly because the requirements of the medical facilities I visit as a pharmaceutical representative required that I do so. Penn State Hershey Medical Center insisted I get the shot, keeping me out of harm’s way.

The Difference Between Cold and Flu; Camo pants with cape
Do You Know the Difference Between A Cold and the Flu? Is It A Cold or The Flu? Image credit: Nursing Education Consultants

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more viral strains are developing than what the current vaccine covers. Flu season occurs in the fall and winter. The good news is that the flu season peaked a few weeks ago, putting the worst of the flu behind us. Now, the goal is to just get through the remaining months of the flu season without being down for the count.

Cold and Flu Myths; Difference Between Cold and Flu' Camo Pants with Cape
Do You Know the Difference Between Cold and Flu? Image Credit: GSK Thera Flu

 

The Best Ways to Fight the Flu:
1. Get the Flu Shot Check Anyway: If your local medical provider is out of vaccine, Check the Vaccine Finder website at vaccinefinder.org for a location near you.
Basic Precautions:
◾️ Avoid people who are sick
🧼  Wash hands frequently
◾️ Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes
☀️  Keep Immune System Strong:
😴  Stay well rested by getting consistent 6-7 hours of sleep every night
⚫️  eating your daily fruit and vegetable requirements
🏋️‍♂️  regular exercise at least 20 minutes per day/150 minutes per week
💦  Stay hydrated

If you determine you have the flu, there is a small window of opportunity to shorten the duration and severity of the flu with antivirals. Relenza and Tamiflu are two prescription medications for the flu you can take. Antivirals are different from antibiotics, which fight bacterial infections.

So tell me, how do you deal with germs during the flu season? Do you routinely get flu shots? Share your response in the comments section below!

Have a fabulous and healthy week,