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The best medicine for colds and flus is preventive measures. Good hand washing and not sharing objects you touch with other infected persons. The pathogens in colds and flu’s are airborne, passed through coughing, sneezing, salvia, and touching things that have been touched by someone infected. There are several things on the market now a day to use, such as Lysol wipes, or antibacterial hand wash that requires no water you can use frequently. Receiving a yearly flu shot will also help decrease your chances of getting the flu.
Rule of thumb is the flu starts in Asia, and travels around the world. That is how they know what strain of flu will hit what area at what approximate time of the year. This has worked well for the past couple of decades. At times it is possible for the flu to mutate into another influenza, which has happened, but only to a moderate degree.
Although once you have had the flu, there is no mistaking the differences between a cold and flu, but some of the symptoms are the same just vary in degree.
Symptoms of a Cold
The symptoms of a cold vary; it may lead into sinus infections or bronchial infections. Fever, sore throat, congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, and facial pain. You should consult a doctor if the chest congestion or nasal discharge thicken or worsen. Coughing up anything yellow or green indicates the need for an antibiotic. This may last three to five days and you can pass this as long as you are running a temperature.
Treatment
Usually treating a cold with over the counter medications, plenty of rest and fluids work well. Tylenol, Advil, and decongestants seem to help some of the symptoms. Other home remedies and herbal treatments are available but purely a personal choice.
Symptoms of the Flu
Symptoms usually start four days after becoming infected with the virus. There are three types of influenza, A, B and C each with different symptoms but all treated basically the same. Fever, nasal congestion, deep chest cough, malaise, fatigue, sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, muscle aches and pains, weakness, dizziness, swollen glands, loss of appetite are just to name a few. The list expands depending on the severity of the illness.
Over the counter remedies are also suggested since this is a virus and viral infections do not respond to antibiotics it is very doubtful they would help at all. There is a medication that can be given if caught within the first three days of the illness. Contact your physician and let them know if you feel you have the flu. They often perform a test that lets them know what type of influenza has hit their area. This program is funded by CDC and is at no cost to you. Dehydration is one of the major problems with flus, making sure you intake as much fluids as you can is very important. Isolating yourself from others until the flu has passed will help in other family members not contracting the illness, but very difficult since it is an airborne pathogen.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you feel you have any of the above please contact your physician and he will treat you appropriately.
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