Cold and Flu
by Ben de Miranda, M.D.
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
With cold and flu season now upon us, it is good time to review the differences in the two, and what you and your children can expect. Causes, symptoms, and treatments can differ greatly, and it is important to be able to distinguish one from the other.
Symptoms of a cold:
The common cold can result in runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, headache, and sinus congestion. Symptoms usually last 5-10 days.
What causes a cold?
The common cold is caused by a group of viruses called "rhinoviruses" of which there are over 200 different strains. While most people believe that colds are spread from being coughed or sneezed upon, this is not completely accurate. The most common way a cold is spread is through hand-to-hand contact or from contact with a surface that hands commonly touch (door knobs, hand rails, etc.).
Treatment for a cold:
While there is no specific treatment for colds, there are many things you can do at home to help. Increasing your fluid intake, Tylenol for fever, sore throat and body aches, and over the counter decongestants all can provide some relief. The only true treatment however is a tincture of time.
Symptoms of the flu:
The symptoms of influenza may include fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and a dry cough. Children may also experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Treatment of the flu:
The most important treatment for influenza is actually prevention. Influenza vaccination is highly effective in prevention of flu and is given yearly usually beginning in late fall prior to the arrival of flu season. Your physician has the ability to check a rapid test for influenza, and if caught within 72 hours, a prescription antiviral medication may help lessen the severity and duration of a patient's symptoms.
What causes the flu?
Influenza, or the flu, also is caused by a virus for which there a more than a hundred different strains. Each year, the influenza vaccine is formed from the most common strains of influenza from the previous year. Unlike the common cold, the flu is mostly spread from the inhalation of respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze. However, it can also be contracted from contact with an infected person's secretions from shaking hands, kissing, or objects that they have touched.
When should I see the doctor?
If you are unsure about whether you may be suffering from the common cold or the flu, you should call your physician and arrange to be seen. If you have a fever that is not responding to over the counter medication, you should be seen as soon as possible.
> Learn more about Dr. Ben de Miranda
Board Certified in Family Medicine
MANA's FirstCare Family Doctors - West Springdale / Tontitown |
