Cold and Flu: Prevention, Symptoms and Treatments

In much of the Northern Hemisphere, December through February is prime time for colds, influenza (flu), and other respiratory illnesses. Don’t let a cold or the flu ruin your holidays! Learn how to protect yourself and your family with these tips from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Get vaccinated against flu Wash your hands often Limit exposure to infected people Keep stress in check Eat a balanced diet Get enough sleep Exercise Symptoms Most viral respiratory infections, like a cold, come and go within a few days, with no lasting effects. But some cause serious health problems. In addition, people who use tobacco or who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more prone to respiratory illnesses and more severe complications than nonsmokers. Colds. Symptoms of colds usually are a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Other symptoms include coughing, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes. There is no vaccine to prevent colds, which come on gradually and often spread through everyday contact. Flu. Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, chills, dry cough, body aches, fatigue, and general misery. Like the viruses that cause a cold, the flu virus can cause a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Young children also may experience nausea and vomiting. The flu typically comes on suddenly and lasts longer than a cold. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets, when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. You also can get flu by touching a surface or object that ...
Source: NN/LM Middle Atlantic Region Blog - Category: Databases & Libraries Authors: Tags: Consumer Health Health Professionals K-12 Public Health Source Type: news