Prepare for the Cold and Flu Season
It’s that time of year again. The weather is changing and this can leave you vulnerable to
the viruses and bacteria that cause influenza and colds.
Many people perceive a cold and the flu to be the same thing. However, there are some important differences between them (see chart below). Knowing these differences may help you reduce your chances of getting sick.
Get a Yearly Flu Vaccine
Yearly flu vaccines are recommended by the CDC, beginning in October. Flu vaccines are 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza among healthy adults. Availability of vaccinations can be restricted by the state. If restrictions are imposed, the following groups of people usually receive preference:- Diabetics and patients with emphysema
- Immune-compromised patients (those already sick)
- Pregnant women
- Health care workers
- Young people and elderly people
health tip
If you do get sick with either the cold or the flu, these over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief for symptoms:- Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, can ease fever and body aches. Never give aspirin to children younger than age 19. It’s been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.
- Decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine, naphazoline and phenylephrine reduce congestion. Don’t use a nasal spray more than three days in a row.
- Cough-suppressing medicines that contain dextromethorphan suppress coughing. For flu, prescription antiviral medications, such as amantadine, oseltamivir, rimantadine and zanamivir, also may help. If started within two days of the first symptoms, they may shorten the illness by a day or two.
