Common Cold and Flu
Common Cod:
The common cold is caused by several different viruses. It typically takes 3 to 7 days for your body's defensive immune system to build up antibodies to fight off
the cold. In the meantime, you can make yourself more comfortable by doing the following:
- Drink plenty of fluids, water and fruit juices (at least 8 oz per hour). No alcohol or caffeine.
- Decongestants, cold & sinus medications and cough syrups should be taken as directed.
- In the winter months a humidifier will add moisture to a room and make breathing easier.
- Finally, get plenty of rest! Give your body a little help in rebuilding its strength.
- Antibiotics will do nothing for a cold. Antibiotics are for bacterial infections.
- Seek profession help if symptoms persist for more than 10 days, if you have a fever of over 100 degrees for more than 3 days
- If you have green nasal discharge or are coughing up green colored phlegm
- If you have painful swollen glands or an earache
- If you have shortness of breath or wheezing
Flu:
Flu is a common contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. There are three main types of flu (A, B, C). Outbreaks of different forms occur every winter with varying degrees of severity.
Flu symptoms include:
- Muscle aches
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Weakness
Things you can do if you have the flu:
- Drink lots of fluids water, juices (no alcohol or caffeine)
- Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever
- Taking a cool sponge bath will help to help lower fevers
- Take over the counter cough medicine, throat lozenges and decongestants to ease the symptoms
Flu can be prevented by:
- Getting a yearly flu immunization
- Washing your hands often; flu is spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, it may also be spread by hand contact
- Eating healthy food, exercising, and getting enough rest will make you less susceptible to illness
- Don't smoke, smoking makes your respiratory tract more prone to infection
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