Combat Cold and Flu This Year

Weather changes always end up triggering cold and flu in people. There may not be any specific way to avoid flu or cold, you can try out certain things that can help in reducing the chances of acquiring them when the winter season is around the corner. This article will give you a detailed account of the information that can help you in preventing cold and flu.

Basics of Cold and Flu

The symptoms are quite similar in both cold and flu. These two conditions can be quite commonly seen in people during the winter months as compared to any other time of the year. But there are some significant differences between the two:

Flu is caused by influenza viruses, whereas cold can result from several types of viruses.
Flu can be prevented using a vaccination, whereas common cold does not have any vaccine.
Kids are more susceptible to flu and cold. Cold is more common as compared to flu among adults.

The symptoms are similar for both the conditions. People may have difficulty figuring out the difference between the two. Some ways that can help you differentiate the two conditions are mentioned below:

Fever is rare in cold, but common in flu
While suffering from cold, you will experience a sore throat and a runny nose
Body aches are not very common and mild in nature, unlike flu
You will not have serious complications in case of cold

Flu Vaccines

CDC recommends people to get a flu shot annually to prevent flu. The vaccine can be given to anymore above the age of 6 months.

Preventing Cold and Flu

You may have a reduced chance of having flu after getting a flu shot. But you still may suffer from cold during the winters. To lower the risk, try out these tips:

Try washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds at least.
In case water and soap is not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Try getting enough amount of sleep
Try exercising regularly
Try staying away from a sick person
Try wearing a mask when around a sick person

Remedies for Cold and Flu

You may not find any foolproof method for avoiding cold and flu. In case you catch any of the two conditions, you can try out these remedies:

When you have serious complications resulting from flu, take antiviral drugs.
To reduce fever and pain, you can use pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen
For nasal symptoms you can use over-the-counter nasal decongestants or sprays.
Avoid taking antibiotics as they do not help in case of flu or cold

Avoiding the Spread of Cold and Flu

If you do not wish to pass flu or cold to the people around you, you can try out these steps:

Stay at home and avoid coming in close contact with people
Disinfect the places that you have touched
Keep washing your hands frequently after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose