Surviving The Cold And Flu Season
Tips From The Health Office
This time of year presents plenty of opportunities for viruses to
spread. Chilly weather keeps more of us indoors at the same time, and the
holiday season brings together family members of all ages. According to the
National Institute of Allergy Diseases, in the course of a year, individuals
in the United States suffer 1 billion colds. And, according to the Center
for Disease Control, thirty-five to fifty million Americans are infected with
influenza (the flu) during flu season, which typically lasts from November to
March. The symptoms of a cold and the flu are somewhat similar. This easy-
to-read chart can help you determine which infection you may have.
Symptom Cold Flu
Fever Rarely above 100.5-101 Characteristic, high (102-104 F)s
Headache Generally mild Prominent
General aches, Slight Usual; often severe
pains
Fatigue,weakness Quite mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme exhaustion Never Early and prominent
Stuffy nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Sore throat Common Sometimes
Chest discomfort, cough Mild to moderate, Common; can become severe
hacking cough
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
With so many people affected by these two infections, it may seem
impossible to avoid catching one, or both. But you can greatly reduce your
chances! Here are a few tips to ward off colds and flu and to ease the
misery if they strike:
§ Get a flu shot. Because the flu virus changes over time, you need to
get a flu shot every year. Due to the short supply of vaccination this year,
the CDC has issued interim recommendations for influenza vaccination during
the 2004-05 season. The following is just a few of the priority goups for
vaccination: 1. all children aged 6-23 months; 2. adults aged > or = 65
years; 3. persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
4. all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
If you have any questions regarding the interim recommendations contact your
primary care physician or refer to www.cdc.gov/flu or www.mass.gov/dph.
§ Wash your hands. Both colds and flu can be passed through coughing,
sneezing, and touching surfaces such as doorknobs and telephones. Remember
that one of the most common ways people catch colds and flu is by rubbing
their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with a
virus. So it is wise to make a habit of washing your hands frequently and
teaching children to do the same.
§ Limit exposure to infected people. Avoid close contact with people
who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect
them from getting sick too. Children should be kept home from school when
they are sick! Not only do they expose others to their germs but their
resistance is lowered which makes them more apt to pick up another germ.
§ Teach your children proper “cough etiquette”. The American Academy
of Pediatrics describes this as teaching your child to turn their heads and
cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or the inside of their elbow if a
tissue is unavailable.
§ Practice healthy habits. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough
sleep, and exercising can help the immune system better fight off the germs
that cause illness. Because smoking interferes with the mechanisms that keep
bacteria and debris out of the lungs, those who use tobacco or who are
exposed to secondhand smoke are more prone to respiratory illnesses and more
severe complications.
Have a safe and healthy season!