Protect Yourself from Colds and the Flu

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Submitted by Thurston County Public Health & Social Services

The flu (influenza) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by the influenza virus, whereas colds can be caused be several different kinds of viruses. Because these two illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell which virus you have based on symptoms alone.

The flu can be mild to severe, but often it is worse than the common cold. Symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills

    When the flu strikes, curling up in bed or on the couch is about all you want to do.
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Children may also have vomiting and diarrhea.

Complications of the flu can include pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections, but it can also lead to hospitalization and death. People who are at high risk of complications from the flu are those 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women and young children.

The only way to be sure if you have a cold or the flu is to be tested, which must be done within the first few days of illness.

Every year, the flu season varies: when it starts, when it’s at its highest (peak) level, how long it lasts, and the severity of illnesses. Flu season typically begins in early October and can last through the end of May. This year’s flu season appears to have peaked in late January, and levels in Washington appear to be decreasing. The CDC currently reports that flu is still widespread in 44 states.

The flu vaccine helps protect you against the flu and can be administered throughout the flu season.

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. This year’s flu vaccine will reduce your chances of getting sick enough to have to go to the doctor by about half. Even though the flu season got off to an early start this year, it is still recommended that you get vaccinated because the flu season can last through May. If you get sick with the flu, antiviral medications may be recommended for those who are at high risk of complications, but you must start taking them within 48 hours after you develop symptoms.

Bacteria and viruses are all around us; the best way to fight them off is to take care of yourself. This means getting plenty of rest, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet with minimal sugar, caffeine and alcohol, balancing work and play, and practicing good hygiene by washing your hands often with warm water and soap, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available and sanitizing equipment such as shopping carts, gym equipment, fuel pump nozzles, keyboards and phones.

If you do get sick, follow these guidelines to help prevent the spread of illness:

  • Stay home and rest. Do not go to work and stay away from public places.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (preferably the crook of your arm) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Dispose of used tissues in the nearest waste basket.
  • Follow the hygiene recommendations (regular hand-washing, etc.) noted above.
  • Also make sure to drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent dehydration.
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Eating well, resting and staying hydrated are some of your best weapons against cold and flu viruses.

The vision of the Thurston Thrives Clinical and Emergency Care Action Team is that “more people live longer, healthier lives, because they take care of themselves and received right care at the right place at the right time.” Taking care of yourself and contacting your health care provider when needed support this vision.

When it comes to cold and flu season, please do your part to help keep yourself and others healthy. If you haven’t gotten a flu vaccine, consider doing so. And be sure to call your doctor’s office if you have a fever that doesn’t come down when you take appropriate doses of Tylenol or Advil, if you are unable to keep fluids down, if you have uncontrollable diarrhea, if you have difficulty breathing, or if you are in a high-risk group for flu complications and think that you might have the flu.

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