The common cold and influenza, or flu, are both respiratory
illnesses caused by viruses, according to Dr. Brian Duff, a family
medicine physician at CoxHealth Center Nixa.
"With the common cold, symptoms are nasal congestion,
sneezing, a runny nose, sore throat, mild achiness
and possibly a low fever," explains Dr. Duff. He says
treatments such as decongestants, pain relievers or fever
reducers are OK as long as the person does not have high
blood pressure.
"The symptoms of influenza tend to be much more
severe than the common cold," says Dr. Duff. "It hits you
all of a sudden."
Dr. Brian Duff
Flu symptoms include a fever, sore throat, a dry cough, fatigue
and body aches. With the flu you are more at risk for other health
problems, such as pneumonia and hospitalization.
If you think you have the flu it is important to call your physician,
says Dr. Duff. Tamiflu is a helpful prescription medicine for the flu,
but it must be started within 48 hours of showing symptoms.
To keep your immune system
strong and prevent the flu or
common cold, wash your hands
frequently, stay well hydrated and
take extra Vitamin C and Zinc.
"Tamiflu has been shown to reduce the time you have the flu
by two days and reduce the risk for an inner ear infection and
pneumonia," explains Dr. Duff.
"The number one way to prevent the flu is to get your vaccine every
year," says Dr. Duff. He recommends everyone get vaccinated,
especially those of young or advanced age, as well as people with
respiratory illnesses such as asthma and COPD, and diabetes.
coxhealth.com
5