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Battling Cold and Flu
 

 
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You can take steps to stay healthy

Along with colder temperatures, the winter months also usher in cold and flu (influenza) season.

The good news is you can take steps to protect yourself. The peak of cold and flu season takes place in January and February, said Mel Lee, MD, medical director of Baptist Minor Medical Centers.

It’s important to know the difference between the cold and flu. Many people say they have the flu when they actually just have a bad cold. The main difference between the two is the speed of onset. It generally takes three to four days for a cold to develop. Flu symptoms develop rapidly. Common symptoms of a cold include a stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing. Tiredness, fever, headache and major aches and pain probably mean you have the flu.

The best defense against the flu is getting a flu shot, Dr. Lee said. It takes about two weeks for the influenza vaccine to become effective, so December or January is not too late. Flu season typically ends in March. Influenza kills thousands of people each year mainly because of secondary complications such as pneumonia. The flu and pneumonia are the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Lung Association. Physicians now recommend that everyone receive a flu shot, even young children. Talk to your doctor before receiving a flu shot. Some people, such as those who have certain allergies, shouldn’t receive the flu shot.

To prevent catching a cold, follow these tips:
  • Wash your hands often. You can pick up cold germs by shaking someone’s hand or touching a doorknob.
  • Avoid people with colds when possible.
  • If you sneeze or cough, use a tissue and then throw the tissue away.
  • Clean surfaces with a germ-killing disinfectant.
  • Don’t touch your nose, eyes or mouth. Germs can easily enter your body using these paths.

If you suspect you have the flu, see a physician immediately. The drug Tamiflu can lessen the symptoms of flu, but it must be administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to be effective. If you are running a fever or you suspect you have the flu, it’s a good idea to go into the doctor immediately to be checked, Dr. Lee said.

If you catch a cold, get of plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Choose over the counter medicines that are appropriate for your symptoms. Colds can have secondary complications such as sinus infections, ear infections or bronchitis. Talk to your doctor if you have severe cold symptoms, high fever, ear pain, a cough that gets worse, or a flare-up of any chronic lung problem, such as asthma.

And most importantly, stay healthy. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercise will help your immune system fight off germs that cause illness.

Published: December 18, 2006
Source: Mel Lee, M.D., medical director of Baptist Minor Medical Centers
Writer: Elizabeth Todd Bartholomew, MA, APR


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