December 2005

'Tis the Season

The onset of the holiday season also means the beginning of another season – the season for colds and the flu. Most cases of these illnesses occur between December and March. Although colds and the flu are both respiratory infections and seem similar in some ways, it's important to be able to differentiate one from the other.

Usually, there's no problem if a cold is misdiagnosed as the flu. At worst, a cold can sometimes lead to a secondary bacterial infection of the sinuses or middle ear, which can be treated with antibiotics. If the flu is misdiagnosed as a cold, however, a potentially life-threatening flu complication such as pneumonia could be overlooked.

Here's how to tell the difference:
Symptoms
Cold
Flu
Fever Rare Usual; high (100 F to 102 F occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days
Headache Rare Common
General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe
Fatigue, Weakness Sometimes Usual; can last up to 2 or 3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion Never Usual; at the beginning of the illness
Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Sore Throat Common Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Cough Mild to moderate; hacking cough Common; can become severe
Source: National Institutes of Health


A New Kind of Flu

More severe than ordinary flu, pandemics occur when a new virus appears in the human population, it causes serious illness, and it spreads easily from person to person worldwide.

During the 20th century, there were three pandemics:
  • 1918 – Spanish flu, which probably killed 500,000 people in the United States
  • 1957 – Asian flu, which killed about 70,000 people
  • 1968 – Hong Kong flu, which caused the deaths of about 34,000 people
In 1999, a novel bird (avian) flu virus appeared. Although this virus has not as yet gone on to start a pandemic, its continued presence in birds, ability to infect humans and the tendency for flu viruses to change and become transmissible among people is an ongoing concern.


Avoidance is Best

 The best way to deal with colds or the flu is to avoid them in the first place. By taking steps including the following, all of us can dramatically decrease our chances of picking up one of the viruses responsible for making us miserable.
  • Always remember that washing your hands often may be the single most effective thing you can do to avoid colds and the flu. Wash your hands before you touch your face or eat, after using the bathroom and after touching shared items including doorknobs and telephones.
  • Don't share towels, eating utensils or toothbrushes.
  • Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet including fruits and vegetables.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Get adequate rest.
  • Use a humidifier during the colds and flu season because dry nasal passages are less resistant to viruses.
  • When possible, avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Consider staying home during the first few days of a cold – when you're most contagious.
  • Consider getting a flu shot.
  • Use disposable tissues – and dispose of them properly.
  • Know if you are in a high-risk group, causing you to be more prone to suffer harm or death from the flu. Risk groups include chronic diseases including diabetes, asthma and heart disease.
Finally, know whether you or a member of your family are in a risk group, making you particularly sensitive to potentially serious complications such as pneumonia. Individuals in these groups include the elderly, people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease. 		 

The information contained in this newsletter is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have any questions about managing your health and/or seeking medical care, please contact a medical professional.
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