 COLD AND FLU
Konuyu Hazırlayan: Dr.
Mete Aker & Hem. Yasemin Yazgünoğlu
COLD
Is an acute, self-limited viral infection of the upper
respiratory tract? After a short incubation period (1 to 4 days) illness generally begins
with nasal congestion, sneezing and sore throat, which occurs in almost half of the cases.
Other symptoms are malaise, hoarseness, cough, headache and muscle aches.
Characteristically, fever is below 38 °C. Symptoms may last up to 10 days.
INFLUENZA (GRIPPE, GRIP, FLU)
Is also a viral infection of the respiratory tract? It is a
major epidemic disease in humans. Incubation period is normally 2 to 3 days. Classic
symptoms include chills, headache, malaise, myalgias, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing
and a dry cough. Nausea and vomiting may occur especially in children. Fever is often over
38 C. In most of the cases symptoms rapidly subside after 2 to 3 days.
Is It a Cold or the Flu ?
| Syptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever |
Rare |
Characteristic, high (102-104ºF); lasts 3-4 days |
| Headache |
Rare |
Prominent |
| General Aches, Pains |
Slight |
Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness |
Quite Mild |
Can last up to 2-3 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion |
Never |
Early and prominent |
| Stuffy Nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Sneezing |
Usual |
Sometimes |
| Sore Throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough |
Mild to moderate; hacking cough |
Common; can become severe |
| Complications |
Sinus congestion or earache |
Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
| Prevention |
None |
Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines-see your doctor |
| Treatment |
Only temporary relief of symptoms |
Antiviral medicines-see your doctor |
TREATMENT
Is not necessary beyond that for symptom relief.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. They are needed when bacterial
complications develop. Analgesics and antipyretics, antihistamines help to relieve
symptoms (Routine use of aspirin is not recommended.).
- A warm and comfortable environment is recommended.
- Rest is indicated for those with fever or severe symptoms.
- Drinking at least eight glasses of fluid daily can help to
loosen mucus and replace the extra fluid loss.
- Humidifiers increase environmental humidity and help loosen
chest congestion.
- Smoking irritates the throat and makes cough worse.
- Warm salt-water gargles help relieve mild sore throat.
- Vitamin C diminishes the duration and severity of illness.
PREVENTION
- Transmission usually occurs by hand contact with a sufferer.
Family members should wash their hands frequently.
- Using disposable tissues, separate drinking glasses and
towels, limiting direct contact during the peak of nasal discharge can help prevent the
spread of colds.
- Main way of prevention from flu is the use of influenza
virus vaccines. Vaccine does not provide a significant protection unless administrated
each year and the new strain is incorporated in to it.
- Vaccination is recommended for those at risk of
complications (Smokers, people over age 65, anemics and who suffer from heart, lung or
kidney disease.).
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