Is it a cold or the flu? Does it matter? Yes it does!

Cold and flu season is upon us. Knowing the difference between a cold and the flu is essential for treatment and care. Know the symptoms of each, get properly diagnosed and take precautions to prevent illness in the first place.

What’s the Difference?
Cold and flu are each caused by a different virus. There are about 200 viruses that can cause a cold while only a few certain viruses cause the flu each year, though they share many of the same symptoms. The flu is usually more severe than a cold and can result in serious health problems such as pneumonia and infection.

Symptoms of Cold or Flu:

• Headache: cold, flu
• Body ache: cold, flu
• Fatigue: cold, flu
• Dry cough: cold, flu
• Runny/stuffy nose: cold
• Sore throat: cold
• Sneezing: cold
• Watery eyes: cold
• Mild fever: cold
• Nausea: flu
• Chills: flu
• Sweating: flu
• Reduced appetite: flu
• Severe fever (over 102): flu

Diagnosing and Treating Cold and Flu

• Your doctor can do a test once you have severe symptoms to determine if you have the flu. If the test is positive, your doctor may prescribe a medication. In the case of cold or flu, expect the illness to last about 10 days.
• Treatment for both includes getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated. Over-the-counter medications can treat symptoms to make you more comfortable as your body fights the infection.

Preventing Cold and Flu

• Wash and sanitize your hands frequently. Use antibacterial soap and sanitizer after coming in contact with others and on common surfaces in the home, at work, and school.
• Get a flu shot every year. The flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. Each year it is specially formulated to fight the common strains of flu that year.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains and exercise regularly to keep your body in top shape for fighting off infection.

Plantation General Hospital wants you to stay healthy this cold and flu season. Visit our online cold and flu center and learn what to do in the case of each. You can also call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724 for a physician referral.

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