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It’s that time of the
year again, it’s cold and flu season. We’ve come up with a few
tips to help you stay healthy in the next few months.
First, do you know the difference between a cold and the flu?
A cold can be caused by a number of different viruses that can involve
the upper respiratory tract. You might have symptoms such as nasal congestion
and sneezing. The flu is caused by a strain of the influenza virus. You
might have symptoms such as fever, chills, chest congestion, sore throat,
and even nausea and vomiting.
How do I know if I have a cold or the flu?
Here is list of symptoms that can help you decide.
| Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
Fever
Headache
Aches and Pains
Fatigue
Stuffy nose/sneezing
Sore throat
Cough |
not usually
not usually
occasional
occasional
yes
yes
yes |
yes, 102-104.
yes
yes
yes, 2-3 wks
occasional
occasional
yes |
So how do I treat the symptoms
of my cold or flu?
You can treat both about the same. Make sure you are drinking fluids and
getting plenty of rest. There are some over the counter medications that
are available to help relieve the symptoms. Over the counter medications
can help make you more comfortable. Some over the counter medications
you can take are nasal decongestants, expectorants, and antitussives.
You can also take cough and cold remedies that contain ingredients that
can attack multiple symptoms. Often they contain a fever and pain reducer
that can be found in Tylenol or ibuprofen.
So how can I avoid getting
or transmitting a cold or flu?
1. Stay healthy by eating plenty of vegetables and fruits and exercising.
This can help boost your immune system. 2. You have to be exposed
to the virus, in order to contract it. So that means wash your hands regularly,
and if you have to sneeze or cough, then use a Kleenex and throw it away
immediately. 3. Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
4. Get plenty
of fresh air. 5. Don’t smoke. 6. Get a flu vaccine.
A flu vaccine is available to anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances
of getting the flu. Because it takes the immune system about six to eight
weeks to respond to the vaccination the best time to get the flu vaccine
is mid-September to mid November before the flu season hits which is usually
form December to march. The flu viruses change all the time so that is
why it is important to get the flu shot every year so that you can get
protected against the most current strain.
Health Information for
Teachers
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