Page 21 - KootenaiHealth

Te best way to prevent the flu is to ge the annual flu vaccine. To help preven a cold, wash your hands often.

yoU’Re SneeZInG, yoUR noSe IS STUFFed UP And yoU’Re tired. In other words, you’re feeling lousy.

you’re considering going to the drugstore to pick up some over-the-counter medicines to help relieve your symptoms. But before you do, you might want to ask yourself, “do I have a cold or the fu?”

The answer to that question is important because you may want to see your doctor for a prescription medicine if you think you have the fu. Prescription fu drugs (called antivirals) can reduce the amount of time that you’re sick. Theymay also reduce your risk for potentially dangerous compli-cations from the fu, such as pneumonia. The catch is that these medications work best when takenwithin the frst 48 hours after developing fu symptoms. Use this chart to help fgure out what’s ailing you.

Te best way to prevent the flu is to ge the annual flu vaccine. To help preven

Symptom Cold Flu

Fever Rare Usual, 100–102 degrees—may be higher,

especially in young children; lasts 3–4 days

Headache Rare Common

General aches, pains Slight Usual, often severe

Fatigue, weakness Sometimes Usual, lasts up to 3 weeks

Exhaustion Never Usual, at the beginning of the illness

Stuffy nose Common Sometimes

Sneezing Usual Sometimes

Sore throat Common Sometimes

Chest discomfort Mild to moderate Common

Cough Common, hacking Common, can becom

American Lung Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. De and Human Services

i t ’ s i m p o R t a N t t o k N o w t h e d i f f e R e N c e

Is it a cold or the flu? feel BetteR

To treat a cold or the flu:

• Get plenty of rest, especially when you have a fever. Rest helps your body fight infection.

• Consume lots of fluids, such as water and clear soups, but avoid alcohol. Fluids help loosen mucus and help prevent dehydration. • Gargle with warm salt water to ease a sore throat. Throat sprays and lozenges may also help relieve the pain.

• Use saline nose drops to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in your nose.

• Take an analgesic—such as aspi-rin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen—to help relieve aches and pains and to reduce fever. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers.