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| Health Education |
Cold, Flu & Strep Throat
 What
is the Common Cold? |
| Cold
vs Flu. |
| What
is the Flu? |
| Symptoms
of the Flu... |
| How
the Flu Spreads. |
| What
is Strep Throat? |
| How
Do I Feel Better?! |
| Other
Links |
What is the Common Cold?Any one of 100 virus can cause the Common Cold. This can involve, your ears, throat, sinuses & lungs. The virus is spread in air/fluid droplets you expel when you talk, cough & sneeze. Symptoms include: sneezing, runny nose, nasal obstruction, sore or scratchy throat, cough, hoarseness, and mild general symptoms like headache, feverishness, chilliness, and not feeling well in general. A cold can last anywhere from 3 days too 2 weeks.
(above taken from commoncold.org & lungassociation)
*What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
*How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can be carried out, when needed to tell if a person has the flu.(Above taken from cdc.gov)
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that can vary in symptoms and infection level. The best method of prevention for the flu is to get the flu vaccine offered every year. On average, 5-20% of people, will get the flu.
*fever (usually high)
*headache
*extreme tiredness
*dry cough
*sore throat
*runny or stuffy nose
*muscle aches
*Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
(Above taken from cdc.gov)
Strep Throat is caused by a bacteria called "Group A streptococcus". It is often found on the throat and skin and it can cause more than one type of infection. People may carry this illness with no symptoms of illness or infection. Strep Throat is a common illness that can result from "Group A streptococcus".
These bacteria are spread through direct contact with mucus from the nose or throat of persons who are infected or through contact with infected wounds or sores on the skin. Ill persons, such as those who have strep throat or skin infections, are most likely to spread the infection. Persons who carry the bacteria but have no symptoms are much less contagious. Treating an infected person with an antibiotic for 24 hours or longer generally eliminates their ability to spread the bacteria. However, it is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed. It is not likely that household items like plates, cups, or toys spread these bacteria.
(Above taken from cdc.gov)
*Most importantly, if you are concerned, see a physician, or stop by our health clinic during clinic hours. The following are just some helpful ideas for relief of symptoms.
*Get Lots of Rest
*Drink Lots of Water
*Take Vitamins
*Over the Counter Medications w/ Antihistamines & Cough Suppressants, may be of help
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