Introduction
Colds and flus are infections of the upper respiratory system, which includes the nose, ears, sinuses and throat. They usually occur between late fall and early spring, generally lasting one to two weeks.
Most upper respiratory infections are viral and not serious. However, some flus can lead to bacterial infections, including ear or sinus infections, bronchitis and, occasionally, pneumonia. People at higher risk are young children, older adults and pregnant women.
Symptoms
Although the same strain of cold virus can give rise to different symptoms in each individual case, most colds cause a stuffed-up, runny nose (the mucus may thicken as the cold progresses), sneezing, a sore throat, body aches, headaches and, frequently, a dry cough. The lymph glands along the neck typically become tender and swollen. Fevers associated with colds tend to be mild and manageable. If a head cold persists, there may be allergies present.
While flus exhibit similar symptoms, they're much more severe than colds. They cause high fevers and chills and a feeling of exhaustion, along with a sore throat, dry cough and runny nose. The whole body aches, especially the head and the back, and the muscles will feel sore. These are distinct from "stomach" flus, which will cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Although the flu is usually gone within one week, recuperation takes longer because of the strain put on the bronchial tubes and circulatory system. The elderly tend to need an extended convalescence. During recovery, chances of another infection increase.
The sore throat associated with a runny nose, cough and other cold or flu symptoms is usually not strep throat; however, a sore throat by itself can sometimes be strep throat.
Causes/Risk Factors
Flu viruses tend to be stronger, more infectious and more harmful than colds. Both tend to have short incubation periods: symptoms begin only a few days after contact with the virus. They are highly contagious and often caught by a sneeze, cough or touch.
Stress and poor overall health habits will make a person more susceptible to recurring flus and colds, and convalescence will take longer. Getting cold and wet also encourages infection. The immune system can become rundown without fresh air, daily physical activity and wholesome food.
What You Can Do
Watch for cold or flu symptoms. If you're feeling sick, stay at home and get rest. Avoid direct contact with others.
Drink plenty of water and other clear fluids. Gargling salt water can help to kill bacteria and viruses.
Take hot baths, hot foot-baths and other heat therapies, and try to keep warm. Low body temperature decreases resistance to viruses and bacteria.
The runny discharge from your nose expels the virus. Cold medications that reduce this discharge can sometimes prolong a cold. Ask your pharmacist about effective use of cold medications, especially with children.
Steam inhalations can help to relieve symptoms in the throat, nasal passages and bronchial tubes. Inhale steam for 15 minutes three times daily in the initial stages of the cold or flu. After that, inhale steam before bed for about a week to heal the bronchial passages.
If your nose gets red and sore, put a little petroleum jelly on the affected area.
Always hold a tissue in front of your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading the germs into the air. Use disposable tissues only and flush them down the toilet or dispose of them in the garbage outside of living quarters.
Personal hygiene during flu epidemics is important: brush your teeth regularly and always wash your hands before eating.
Be extra careful around others with colds, especially in winter. Wash your hands frequently and use separate dishes and utensils.
Don�t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking increases your risk of getting a cold and makes it harder to recover from one. If you do smoke, take steps to quit immediately.
Dried-out mucous membranes are more susceptible to infection, so use a humidifier if the air in your home or workplace is dry.
Make sure you�re completely recovered before returning to your daily routine. If you�re still sick, the cold or flu may progress into a lower respiratory infection.
If you experience high, prolonged fever, facial or ear pain, or severe, worsening symptoms that won�t go away, contact your doctor.
What You Can Take
Drink at least six to eight glasses of water or clear liquids daily to prevent dehydration and constipation, keep the mucus moist and make secretions easier to clear. Warm broth, vegetable juices and herb teas are best. If you have a fever, it may be advisable to consume liquids only.
Eat raw fruits and vegetables such as carrots and citrus fruits for vitamins A and C. Use unrefined, cold-pressed flaxseed oil as a salad dressing. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen cell membranes, speed healing and strengthen resistance to infection.
Studies show that chicken soup really does help to reduce inflammation and decrease congestion. Honey can also relieve some cold symptoms.
For prevention, eat garlic, which can help to ward off colds by inhibiting the growth of staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria.
Immunization against the flu in October or November is recommended, especially for children six months to two years of age, pregnant women, adults over 50 and anyone with health problems such as asthma or chronic heart or lung disorders.
Take acetaminophen for aches and avoid ASA (aspirin). Ask your pharmacist about safe, over-the-counter medications.
Generally speaking, antibiotics are neither an effective nor appropriate treatment for most upper respiratory infections. Unnecessary use of antibiotics can cause allergic reactions and digestive upset, including diarrhea, and can interact with other medication. It also kills helpful bacteria, while enabling harmful bacteria to become more resistant to drugs.
Further Resources
Visit the College of Family Physicians of Canada's Web page on colds and flus at www.cfpc.ca/English/cfpc/programs/patient%20education/the%20flu/default.asp?s=1.
