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Is it a Cold or the Flu?
By Naomi Graves, Pharm. D.
January 7, 2005 |
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It’s winter, and that means more of us are getting sick. If you have a cold, chances are if you wait it out it will get better within a week. But if you have the flu, your doctor may be able to give you a prescription for a medication that can actually shorten your illness. You’ll have to start that medication within two days of getting flu symptoms. But how do you know if it’s a cold or the flu?
THE FLU is usually worse than a cold; it usually hits suddenly. It is transmitted mostly through the air. Flu symptoms include fever (over 102 degrees F), body aches, extreme weakness, and a dry cough. Chills alternating with sweats may occur. Headaches are common. Runny noses are rare. The flu usually strikes during the winter months; you may hear about large epidemics on the news.
A COLD is generally milder than the flu; it usually comes on gradually. It is transmitted mostly through direct contact. A cold usually causes a runny nose and a hacking cough, but body aches are not as severe as with the flu and do not last as long. There may be a mild fever. Headaches are rare. Colds can strike any time of the year; there are no large-scale epidemics.
A SPECIAL TEST can be done at a clinic to determine right away if you have a cold or the flu. If you are at risk of getting complications from the flu, for example if you are elderly or have asthma or diabetes, it may be worth getting the test done. Complications from the flu include pneumonia, bacterial infections, and hospitalizations.
TO TREAT THE FLU: Certain prescription medications can shorten the illness. Take fever reducers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to decrease fever, but not necessarily down to 98.6. Never give children aspirin, especially to treat a fever. A cough suppressant (such as dextromethorphan) will help with dry coughs. Stay at home and sleep.
TO TREAT A COLD: There are no known products proven to cure or shorten the illness. Fever reducers are not necessary. For a hacking cough, take an expectorant (guaifenesin). Take it easy, but you don’t have to skip work.
TO PREVENT COLDS AND FLUS: Wash your hands frequently. Avoid crowds during flu epidemics, and stay away from those who might have the flu. Get a flu shot if you are eligible or if possible!
There’s some great information about the flu at the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website, http://www.cdc.gov/flu. There’s also good information about taking care of the flu (or cold) at http://familydoctor.org/x4957.xml, a site sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians. |
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