Pliablemoose
Lifer
- Oct 11, 1999
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Colds and Flu: Pamper Yourself to Better Health
Here it comes again, the dreaded cold and flu season. Chances are you've been dealing with these common illnesses throughout your life. So why should you deal with them any differently now? Because as we get older, our bodies have a harder time fighting off infection. Once you have a cold or the flu, there is a greater chance that it will develop into a more serious illness. Also, if you have a chronic illness such as emphysema or diabetes, flu can be very serious or even life-threatening.
For these reasons, you need to take extra steps to protect yourself against infection. You also need to recognize flu-related symptoms and to learn when it's time to see your doctor. By doing so, you can prevent your cold or flu from turning into a more serious illness.
A Cold Versus the Flu
The following are symptoms of both colds and flu:
sore throat
runny nose and sneezing
headache
overall sick feeling
low-grade fever
The flu is more likely to lead to pneumonia. For this reason, you need to know if you have a cold or the flu. A cold usually does not cause high fever, while the flu can. A fever above 101 degrees is usually considered high. Also, a stuffy nose is probably a sign of a cold, rather than the flu. Overall, cold symptoms are milder and do not last as long as flu symptoms.
Cozy Up to Self-Care
Because colds and flu are caused by viruses, there is no cure. You just have to let them run their course. Pamper yourself by resting and drinking plenty of fluids. Talk with your doctor about over-the-counter medicines that may help ease your symptoms.
Know When to See Your Doctor
The following symptoms may indicate a problem more serious than a common cold or the flu:
chest pain
wheezing
a high fever
frequent colds
shortness of breath that comes with little or no exertion
phlegm or mucus produced for two or more weeks
a cough that lasts two weeks or produces blood
A persistent cough with a fever, for instance, could be a sign of pneumonia. See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms or if any symptoms last longer than usual for a common cold or the flu. The earlier you catch problems, the more easily they can be treated.
Think Prevention
The following vaccinations can protect you from the flu and pneumonia.
Influenza vaccine. You can protect yourself from the flu by getting a flu shot. And it can be helpful if the people you spend time with also get flu shots. Since the virus that causes the flu changes each year, you'll need to get a flu shot each year. It's best to get the flu shot in the fall before the flu season starts. Unless you're allergic to eggs, flu shots are usually safe.
Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. One of the most serious complications of the flu is pneumonia. You can protect yourself against the most common kind of pneumonia (pneumococcal) by getting a shot. Most people need the pneumonia shot only once in their lifetime. If you're not sure if you've gotten this shot, ask your doctor.
No vaccination can prevent the common cold. The best way to prevent one is to wash your hands often and avoid sharing cups, utensils, and towels with people who are sick. It is also helpful to keep your body and mind in good shape by eating a healthy diet, managing your stress, and getting enough sleep.
Ripped from: here
Here it comes again, the dreaded cold and flu season. Chances are you've been dealing with these common illnesses throughout your life. So why should you deal with them any differently now? Because as we get older, our bodies have a harder time fighting off infection. Once you have a cold or the flu, there is a greater chance that it will develop into a more serious illness. Also, if you have a chronic illness such as emphysema or diabetes, flu can be very serious or even life-threatening.
For these reasons, you need to take extra steps to protect yourself against infection. You also need to recognize flu-related symptoms and to learn when it's time to see your doctor. By doing so, you can prevent your cold or flu from turning into a more serious illness.
A Cold Versus the Flu
The following are symptoms of both colds and flu:
sore throat
runny nose and sneezing
headache
overall sick feeling
low-grade fever
The flu is more likely to lead to pneumonia. For this reason, you need to know if you have a cold or the flu. A cold usually does not cause high fever, while the flu can. A fever above 101 degrees is usually considered high. Also, a stuffy nose is probably a sign of a cold, rather than the flu. Overall, cold symptoms are milder and do not last as long as flu symptoms.
Cozy Up to Self-Care
Because colds and flu are caused by viruses, there is no cure. You just have to let them run their course. Pamper yourself by resting and drinking plenty of fluids. Talk with your doctor about over-the-counter medicines that may help ease your symptoms.
Know When to See Your Doctor
The following symptoms may indicate a problem more serious than a common cold or the flu:
chest pain
wheezing
a high fever
frequent colds
shortness of breath that comes with little or no exertion
phlegm or mucus produced for two or more weeks
a cough that lasts two weeks or produces blood
A persistent cough with a fever, for instance, could be a sign of pneumonia. See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms or if any symptoms last longer than usual for a common cold or the flu. The earlier you catch problems, the more easily they can be treated.
Think Prevention
The following vaccinations can protect you from the flu and pneumonia.
Influenza vaccine. You can protect yourself from the flu by getting a flu shot. And it can be helpful if the people you spend time with also get flu shots. Since the virus that causes the flu changes each year, you'll need to get a flu shot each year. It's best to get the flu shot in the fall before the flu season starts. Unless you're allergic to eggs, flu shots are usually safe.
Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. One of the most serious complications of the flu is pneumonia. You can protect yourself against the most common kind of pneumonia (pneumococcal) by getting a shot. Most people need the pneumonia shot only once in their lifetime. If you're not sure if you've gotten this shot, ask your doctor.
No vaccination can prevent the common cold. The best way to prevent one is to wash your hands often and avoid sharing cups, utensils, and towels with people who are sick. It is also helpful to keep your body and mind in good shape by eating a healthy diet, managing your stress, and getting enough sleep.
Ripped from: here
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