How To Protect Yourself From Cold And Flu: Symptoms, Preventions & Treatments

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 How To Protect Yourself From Cold And Flu: Symptoms, Preventions & Treatments

 

“Health is Wealth”


Fall and winter are the most common seasons for colds in the United States. There are a variety of symptoms for both; cold and flu. Cold is more common among kids, however the flu is mostly caught by adults. It is better to take precautionary measures rather than searching for treatments later. On the other hand, there is no harm if you’ve caught any of them. Simply, keep your hygiene level strong and take medicines as per doctor’s prescription. Consult online doctor to get urgent care immediately in case of an emergency.

 

What is the Difference Between Cold & Flu? 


Cold is a milder respiratory illness than flu. Flu is much more severe than cold. During cold you feel bad for a few days but if you have the flu you feel ill for some days or weeks. As mentioned, the severity of flu is higher than cold and can lead to pneumonia and in worse cases hospitalization. Consult a doctor immediately if the situation worsens. 

 

sick due to cold and flu

 

Symptoms of Cold


Children are more likely to have a cold. Cold stays for seven to ten day and begins with a sore throat. In the fourth and fifth days, nasal symptoms, runny nose, and congestion develop, along with a cough. Adults don’t have a cold often. Cold symptoms can be divided into three categories: 

 

Nasal symptoms:



  1. congestion

  2. sinus pressure

  3. runny nose

  4. stuffy nose

  5. loss of smell or taste

  6. sneezing

  7. watery nasal secretions

  8. postnasal drip or drainage in the back of your throat


Head symptoms:



  1. watery eyes

  2. headache

  3. sore throat

  4. cough

  5. swollen lymph nodes


Body symptoms:



  1. fatigue or general tiredness

  2. chills

  3. body aches

  4. low grade fever below 102°F (38.9°C)

  5. chest discomfort

  6. difficulty breathing deeply


 

Symptoms of Flu


Flu is categorized as more severe than cold. Its symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough. Flu symptoms improve over a span of 2-5 days. Pneumonia is particularly a common complication of flu and occurs in young, elderly, or people with lung or heart problems. Viruses can enter your body by any means. It could just be a touch on any surface. Some of the symptoms include: 

  1. Fever

  2. Fever chills 

  3. Cough

  4. Sore throat

  5. Runny or stuffy nose

  6. Muscle or body aches

  7. Headaches

  8. Fatigue (tiredness)

  9. Vomiting 

  10. Diarrhea


 

Prevention From Cold & Flu 


Hygiene is the first step to preventing yourself from all diseases. Here are some simple steps that you can follow to prevent a cold or flu: 

  1. Wash your hands often

  2. Avoid close contact with a person who has a cold/ flu

  3. Use hand sanitizer and wash hands thoroughly 

  4. Get flu vaccine

  5. Antiviral medicines for flu


Prevention is better than cure. Instead of catching a cold or flu you can help prevention of flu and cold by taking precautionary measures. 

 

Treatment For Cold & Flu 


If you have a cold then it can be treated by decongestants, you can also use pain relievers if the pain is getting onto your nerves. There are other fever reducer medicines as well. All these can be used to treat a cold. You may also keep the following points in mind: 

  1. Stay hydrated

  2. Take ample rest

  3. Consume honey 

  4. Take warm liquids

  5. Eat healthy food

  6. Add moisture to air


On the other hand, if you catch the flu then use decongestants, pain relievers or fever reducers. Young children suffering from the flu should not be given medicines for the cold however in some cases you can use antiviral drugs. You may also follow the following steps for treatment of flu:

  1. Stay home

  2. Get rest

  3. Stay hydrated

  4. Take steam

  5. Use humidifier


 

Conclusion


Prevention is better than cure. Cold and flu are mostly considered to be related. Although the prevention for both cases is the same. You should stay hydrated and hygienically fit. Moreover, the symptoms for cold are relatively short term as compared to the flu. Well, there is nothing a healthy diet can not fix. Keep yourself healthy and make life easy. Get urgent care and call a doctor, with WoW Health

For more queries, visit WoW Health or contact us at 844-969-4325

 

FAQs


Q1. When is the cold virus season?


During late August or early September until March or April people are highly likely to contract the flu. 

 

Q2.  Can you catch a cold from being cold?


It is a myth. The only way you catch a cold is if you come in contact with the virus. However, if you have asthma or any other disease then it could make your body more receptive to a cold virus.