COLD vs FLU

Tis the season for colds and flu
Sickness stinks

 

Missed work, cancelled playgroups, school, practices and games missed and low attendance is happening everywhere. This season of sickness is particularly nasty, taking down entire families one person at a time. According to news sources, more than 5000 cases of the flu have been reported in Arizona with California and Florida not far behind. Did you know that you are contagious BEFORE you begin to show symptoms?

You know you feel awful, but sometimes it is hard to tell if it is the dreaded flu or just a cold. Below is a chart from WebMD to help you determine which virus has invaded your household. If you are not getting better, please go and see your primary doctor or visit a clinic, urgent care or a hospital as some symptoms can quickly turn into something more serious. If you think it is the flu, there are medications available. The antiviral meds work best if started within a day or 2 of feeling bad, so don’t wait too long before being seen.

Symptoms                                    Cold                                               Flu

Fever                                              Rare                                      Characteristic, high (100-104                                                                                                                           degrees F); lasts 3 to 4 days

Headache                                      Rare                                               Prominent

General Aches, Pains                  Slight                                        Usual; often severe

Fatigue, Weakness                      Quite mild                         Can last up to 2 to 3 weeks

Extreme Exhaustion                    Never                                        Early and prominent

Stuffy, Runny Nose                      Common                                      Sometimes

Sneezing                                        Usual                                            Sometimes

Sore Throat                                 Common                                      Sometimes

Chest Discomfort,Cough        Mild to moderate;              Common; can become severe

hacking cough

WebMd Medical Reference-Reviewed By Jennifer Robinson, MD on 2/15/16

Once you have a clearer picture of what you might have; now let’s talk about ways to begin to feel better. FIRST, steer clear of everybody outside of your house if possible.  You are contagious and even though your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers like you, they do NOT want your germs!  If you know others are not feeling well, politely ask them to STAY away.

-Rest and hydrate. Your body needs BOTH to heal!

-Eat foods that will help boost your immune system

-Wash hands frequently and try to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and    eyes. This is hard for kids, so try to keep them distracted and hands out of their mouths,  when possible.

-Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, sneeze into the crook of your arm (elbow)  and/or sneeze into a tissue when pos sible, then throw it away

-Wipe down all surfaces or toys with a disinfectant daily

-Wash linens, towels and clothing frequently

-To help with congestion or cough, sit in a steamy bathroom

-Invest in an air purifier to keep the air clean and circulating

-Keep your home at 40-60% relative humidity to help keep viruses from lingering on  surfaces

-Treat your symptoms

-Steer clear from crowded places (malls, big box stores, hospitals) Wipe down door  handles, carts and pin pads too.

-If you MUST go out, wear a mask!

-Try to keep your stress levels down as stress inhibits your body’s ability to heal

-If nursing, keep nursing.  Your baby is getting antibodies from you that are specific to    whatever you are fighting.  If you need to get on meds, inform your Dr. that you are  breastfeeding

Each family tends to have their “this makes everything better regimen” but before ingesting vitamins, minerals, herbs and oils please do your research and remember that what works for one person isn’t a cure all for everyone!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, DO NOT go back to work or school until the fever has been gone for a full 24 hours without using a fever reducer!

According to the CDC, symptoms can last from a few days to a couple of weeks but if you notice any of these signs, head to the ER:

In infants

Being unable to eat

Has trouble breathing

Has no tears when crying

Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

In children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Fever with a rash

In adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Severe or persistent vomiting

Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

 (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm)

If you are not sick, be grateful!  Keep exercising, eating healthy, sleeping and taking your vitamins.  All these protective measures will help build and maintain your immune system so you can fight off whatever comes next.

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Due to COVID 19, Colleen will be providing virtual and/or in home support.

Feel free to call, text or email her for virtual support in the comfort, safely providing virtual and in-person support based on families needs!