Managing Your Cold or Flu

The "common cold" is caused by more than 200 known viruses. Cold symptoms usually resolve in 7-14 days. Influenza originates from viruses also, but cause a more severe respiratory illness. Young children, people with heart, lung, kidney, or immuno-suppressed conditions, and those aged 65 or older have a higher risk of complications which can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death. The flu vaccine minimizes the dangerous consequences of influenza.

A cold and flu have many of the same symptoms. A cold is generally milder, while the flu tends to be more severe. The flu starts suddenly and hits hard. It usually takes longer to get over the flu than over a cold.

What Can I Take?

• Antihistamines:   Help dry up a runny nose and relieve sneezing. Avoid them when you are congested. They can make mucus thicker and harder to drain which can make sinus symptoms worse.
• Decongestants: (Pills or sprays)   Relieves sinus pressure and stuffy nose. Help you breathe easier. Do not use decongestant nose sprays longer than 3 days.
• Cough Suppressants containing dexromethorphan DM (tablets, lozenges, syrups) help to quiet coughs. Some common psychiatric medications can interact with DM; check with your Pharmacist or health provider before taking.
• Pain relievers - acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin):   taken as directed help relieve aches headache, fever, and sore throat.

Methods of Spreading Cold and Flu

• Colds and flu spread by respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Colds also spread easily by hand contamination.
• If you shake, touch, or hold the hand of someone with cold/flu symtpoms, you are more likely to catch the cold or flu.
• You can also catch a cold or flu if you touch your eyes or nose after touching an object shortly after a person who is infected has touched it.

Wash your hands often!  Washing your hands with soap and water helps prevent the spread of colds and flu. Keeping your hands away from your face minimizes your risk of infection. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers.