For Cold & Flu
Influenza
Commonly called flu and it is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus.
Features
- Fever
- Respiratory symptoms as cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose as well as headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are rare symptoms.
Notes about the Symptom
- Stomach flu is a misnomer that is sometimes used to describe gastrointestinal illness caused by an organism rather than influenza
- Flu recovers in 1-2 weeks
- Some cases of flu develop serious complications like pneumonia
- Flu complications take place at any age
- Common Cold
- An acute usually afebrile viral infection of the respiratory tract with inflammation in any or all airway passages including the nose, paranasal sinuses, throat, larynx, and often the trachea and bronchi.
- It’s an illness caused by a tiny, living thing called a virus. More than 200 types lead to your misery, but the most common one is the rhinovirus, which brings on 10% to 40% of colds. The coronavirus is responsible for about 20% of cases, while the respiratory virus and Parainfluenza virus causes 10% of colds.
- There is no vaccine for the common cold. The primary methods of prevention are hand washing; not touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; and staying away from other sick people.
Signs and Symptoms
- The typical symptoms of a cold include a cough, a runny nose, nasal congestion, and a sore throat, sometimes accompanied by muscle ache, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite.
- A sore throat is present in about 40% of the cases and cough in about 50%, while muscle ache occurs in about half.
- In adults, a fever is generally not present but it is common in infants and young children.
- The cough is usually mild compared to that accompanying influenza. While a cough and a fever indicate a higher likelihood of influenza in adults, a great deal of similarity exists between these two conditions.
- A number of the viruses that cause the common cold may also result in asymptomatic infections.
- The color of the sputum or nasal secretion may vary from clear to yellow to green and does not indicate the class of agent causing the infection.
Treatment
- There’s no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics are of no use against cold viruses and shouldn’t be used unless there’s a bacterial infection. Treatment is directed at relieving signs and symptoms.
- Pros and cons of commonly used cold remedies include:
- Pain relievers. For fever, sore throat, and headache, many people turn to acetaminophen or other mild pain relievers. Use acetaminophen for the shortest time possible and follow label directions to avoid side effects.
- Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers..
- Decongestant nasal sprays. Adults can use decongestant drops or sprays for up to five days. Prolonged use can cause rebound symptoms. Children younger than six shouldn’t use decongestant drops or sprays.
- Cough syrups. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend against giving OTC cough and cold medicines to children younger than age 4. There’s no good evidence that these remedies are beneficial and safe for children.
- Vitamin C: It appears that for the most part taking vitamin C won’t help the average person prevent colds
- Antihistamines to reduce rhinorrhea in patients with nasal allergy.
- Steam inhalations mobilize secretions and help relieve chest tightness
