Monthly Topic
Cold and Flu/Hygiene Awareness
Cold and Flu/Hygiene Awareness
The cold and a flu have similar symptoms. The difference is how intense they feel and how common they are. In general, symptoms of the flu normally appear quicker, while cold
symptoms happen at a slower pace.
The Common Cold
Colds are caused usually by a type of virus named rhinovirus (rhino: nose). A cold is typically milder than a flu, and those with a cold usually have a runny stuffy nose. The common cold will go away on its own or over a period of time, and can be successfully managed with a combination of rest, fluids and warm salt water gargles. Generally, colds can last 7 to 14 days but does not result in serious health problems such as bacterial infections.
The Flu
The flu is caused by any of several known influenza viruses, usually seen during autumn and winter. The flu generally begins like a common cold, with a runny nose and feeling run down, however, more severe symptoms will appear. Occasionally there are symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or all three.
| Cold | Flu |
|
You may feel chills but a fever is rare |
Fever |
| Cough, chest discomfort (mild but may last a while) | Cough, chest discomfort (dry cough can be severe) |
| Body aches and pains (mild) | Body aches and pains (can be severe) |
| Tiredness, however, you can still do daily activities |
Bedridden (you may feel extremely exhausted) |
| Mild headaches | Headache (can be severe) |
| Sore Throat | Sore Throat |
| Stuffy runny nose, as well as sneezing | Stuffy runny nose |
| Complications can include... | |
| Lung infections | Pneumonia |
| Throat infections |
Pre-existing health conditions can worsen (such as asthma) |
| Ear infections | Hospitalisation |
| Sinus infections | |
The facts about the Flu
- It can be serious
- It is very contagious and can spread both quickly and easily
- Before you realise you are sick, this can be passed onto others
The Flu can affect anyone
- Healthy people can get the flu
- People at higher risk of complications are:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Those living with one or more chronic health conditions
- Those residing in nursing homes or other facilities
- Young children
- Pregnant women
Treatments Available
You should first look for any over the counter medications that address your symptoms. A good rule of thumb is to use only one type of medication to address each symptom, for example, if you are taking cough syrup that contains one type of pain relief, refrain from taking a pill which contains a different pain reliever. You should choose a medicine which treats multiple or most of your symptoms as this will be the best treatment.
Flu can be treated with anti-viral medications, but these are only recommended when you have severe symptoms or if you are high risk. High risk conditions include the following: asthma, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or a weakened immune system.
These types of medications, however, can only be prescribed and not bought over the counter. If you think you are in the high-risk category, you should make an appointment with your local GP as soon as you acquire symptoms. The best defence to prevent the flu is the flu jab.
Hygiene: Wash Your Hands
As well getting a jab, you can help reduce the spread of the flu by regularly washing your hands, particularly after sneezing or coughing. You can pass flu on without having any symptoms, so wash your hands regularly.
How to
- Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap.
- Rub your palms together to make a lather and scrub hands well.
- Washing hands should take approx. 40 seconds.
- Hum “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end x2.
- Rinse your hands well under running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel, or air dry.
The 3 C’s
Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze
Clean: Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water
Contain: Contain your germs by staying home if you are sick
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