Is it a Cold or the Flu?
The Facts About Influenza and Colds
Influenza and colds are different types of viruses with different symptoms. How can you tell the difference? Following are the signs and symptoms of the flu and the common cold.
|
Symptom |
Cold |
Flu |
|
Onset |
Gradual |
Sudden |
|
Fever |
Rare |
Characteristic high (over 101 F) for 3-4 days |
|
Cough |
Hacking |
Dry; Can become severe |
|
Muscle Aches & Pains |
Slight |
Usual; Often severe |
|
Tiredness & Weakness |
Very mild |
Can last 2-3- weeks |
|
Chest Discomfort |
Common |
Mild to moderate |
|
Stuffy Nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Sneezing |
Usual |
Sometimes |
|
Sore Throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
|
||
How are they transmitted?
Influenza and Colds are easily transmitted from person to person. Although they are different viruses they are transmitted the same way. There are a couple of ways that this can happen. One way is when a non-infected person is standing within three feet of an infected person that is coughing and sneezing. The non-infected person can inhale the droplets. This could happen at any type of social gathering.
Another way that colds and influenza can be transmitted is if a surface has been recently contaminated by an infected person's respiratory secretions and a non-infected person comes in contact with that contaminated surface, then rubs their eyes or nose. Some examples of this type of transmission would include an infected person that coughed in their hands then touches articles in the environment like a telephone or then shakes hand or leaves their used tissue for someone else to throw away. Because the winter weather brings us inside and the holidays bring us together for celebration, these viruses flourish during this season.
Once the virus has been transmitted, the symptoms can develop in as few as 1-4 days. You can be contagious just before the first symptoms begin (incubation period) and for as long as five to seven days after the symptoms start.
How can we stop the spread?
Get your Flu Shot! According to the CDC the flu vaccine prevents influenza illness in up to 90% of the time. If you have had the flu before, I'm sure you will never want it again. The flu vaccination is the "gold standard" for prevention.
If You Are Sick...STAY AT HOME!
One of the most consciences behaviors that we can all participate in is to not subject others to our infections. STAY HOME! This also means not going to the grocery store or driving carpool. Use good professional judgment. First, have a good understanding about how the viruses are spread. As your symptoms alleviate, you can work as long as you wear a mask when within three feet of anyone else and use good hand hygiene practices.
