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Battling Cold and Flu
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Along with cooler temperatures, fall and winter months also usher in cold and flu (influenza) season.
The good news is you can take steps to protect yourself. Flu season generally lasts from October to February, said Sandra Boyland Randolph, 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. Flu symptoms develop very rapidly, within hours. “When you get the flu, the symptoms seem to come out of nowhere,” Dr. Randolph said. Symptoms include high fever, headache, dry cough, severe muscle aches, and fatigue. If you suspect you have the flu, see a physician immediately, Dr. Randolph said. 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. Randolph said. The best defense against the flu is to get a flu shot, Dr. Randolph said. It takes about two weeks for the influenza vaccine to become effective. 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. Unlike the flu, cold symptoms develop slowly. Common symptoms of a cold include a stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing. To prevent catching a cold or flu, wash your hands often and use keep hand sanitizer readily available. Avoid people with colds and flu if possible. If you develop the flu or cold, get of plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. 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: Sept. 30, 2008
Source: Dr. Sandra Boyland Randolph, medical director of the Baptist Minor Medical Centers Writer: Elizabeth Todd Bartholomew, MA, AP  Top of Page |
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