Dealing with Cold and Flu

There have been many advancements in medicine, but unfortunately treatment for the cold and influenza viruses aren't among them. The best way to deal with "the common cold" and "the flu" is to prevent infection in the first place by frequent handwashing, taking good care of yourself, and getting a yearly flu shot.

The common cold is a group of symptoms caused by a large number of different viruses. Over 200 viruses can be to blame including rhinoviruses, which are most active in spring, summer and fall, and coronaviruses, which are the most likely culprits in winter and early spring.

The viruses enter the body through the nose, mouth or eyes and are easily contracted by touching common objects contaminated with virus such as door knobs and computer keys. You can also encounter virus from secretions sneezed into the air.

Getting your feet wet or going out without your coat are not going to get you sick. Being fatigued, emotionally distressed, or bothered by allergies have all been proven to make you more susceptible.

Most colds occur during the fall and winter; partly a result of school attendance and cold weather leading to people congregating indoors. The most common cold-causing viruses are happy when the humidity is low—which happens when it is colder outside and we turn on the heat inside. 

Age matters—young children with inexperienced immune systems can have up to twelve colds a year. Adults average two to three, with young women having more than men. People over sixty average less than one cold a year. 

People often use the term "flu" to describe any kind of cold or stomach virus, but true influenza is caused by specific influenza viruses, mainly types A and B. The flu causes fever, body aches, headache, fatigue and cough and typically lasts one to two weeks, but fatigue and cough can go on much longer.

Flu is spread when droplets in the air contaminated with virus are inhaled or by direct contact with secretions on common objects or the skin of an infected person, which are then transferred when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms start abruptly within one to four days of infection. People are most infectious from one day before to five days after symptoms appear, making it easy to spread the virus before you even know you are sick.

Type A viruses mutate often yielding new strains every few years, making it impossible to develop permanent immunity. They are responsible for most major epidemics. Type B mutates less frequently and usually results in milder cases.

You can help prevent influenza by getting a flu shot every year. Studies have shown that people who regularly get a flu shot miss less school and work in general. 

How can I tell if it's cold or flu?