The Common Cold or Flu???

Right now, so many of us have fallen prey to a virus of some sort in our area. Some in Wichita County have gone to the doctor and discovered that they have the common flu. Here is information that might help you to decide what you have and guide you in the decion-making process of whether or not you need to see your doctor.

COLD:
Symptoms develop SLOWLY.
Can last 2-14 days.
Symptoms:
Fever up to 102 degrees
Runny or stuffy nose
Fatigue
Cough
Muscle aches
Headache
Sore throat
Sneezing
Watery eyes

FLU:
Symptoms develop QUICKLY.
Most can last 2-7 days, but cough and fatigue (tiredness) can last for 2-3 weeks.

Symptoms:
Fever over 102 degrees.
Stuffy nose
Fatigue
Cough
Muscle aches, often severe
Headache
Nausea
Chills and sweats
Loss of appetite

Treatments of colds and flu:
Antibiotics do NOT kill viruses. They may only be needed if you develop a bacterial infection.

1. Get plenty of rest.

2. Drink lots of fluids such as water and CLEAR soup. The fluids will help to loosen mucous and prevent dehydration.

3. Soothe a sore throat by gargling with warm salt water a few times per day. Throat sprays and drops may also help get rid of the pain.

4. Use saline (salt water) nasal drops and sprays.

Avoid ALL alcohol and tobacco. Smoke can make cold symptoms worse.

Preventing catching or spreading colds and flu can depend on your hands. Keep them as germ-free as possible.

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze. Throw it in a trashcan right away.

2. Wash your hands O-F-T-E-N.
--Use soap and water. Scrub your hands and fingers all over while counting to 20 or 30. Don't use your clean hands to turn off the faucet or to open and close doors. USE A TOWEL OR TISSUE TO DO THAT! Discard it right away.
--If there is no available soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.

3. Disinfect surfaces at work and home V-E-R-Y O-F-T-E-N!!! Pay especially close attention to things that people touch often such as all kinds of telephones, doorknobs and computer keyboards.

4. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH!!!

5. Avoild close contact with anyone who has a cold or the flu, ESPECIALLY during the first few days of their symptoms when they are more likely to spread their germs.

6. Ask your doctor if you should take a flu shot.

VLE-B