Here is your guide in diagnosing that icky couch and unstoppable sneezing.
In general, the Flu, which is a contagious infection of the nose, throat, and lungs is caused by the influenza virus, is worse than the cold and has stronger symptoms.
COMMON COLD
The four main symptoms of the common cold are:
- Stuffy/runny nose
- Sore Throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
TREATMENT
Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter cold remedies may help ease your symptoms. These won't actually shorten the length of a cold, but can help you feel better.
NATURAL REMEDIES
- Echinacea
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
FLU
- Fever is usually present (between 102-106 °F)
- Chills and headaches
- Moderate to sever body aches
- Fatigue and extreme tiredness
- Symptoms grow rapidly (3-6 hours)
- Dry Coughs
- Nausea and vomiting
Other symptoms may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches and stiffness
- Stuffy, congested nose
- Sweating
If you have mild illness and are not at high risk, take these steps, especially REST, so that your body can return back to its healthy state.
*If you have any underlying medical conditions like Asthma and/or bronchitis, see your local ER and/or personal physician*
TREATMENT
- Rest
- Take medicines that relieve symptoms and help you rest
- Drink plenty of liquids {Orange Juice, Water, Ginger Ale}
- Avoid aspirin (especially teens and children)
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Avoid antibiotics (unless necessary for another illness)
PREVENTION TIPS
- Always wash your hands: After blowing your nose, after changing diapers or using the restroom, before eating, and before preparing food.
- Disinfect: Clean commonly touched surfaces (sink handles, sleeping mats) with a disinfectant. (Clorox and Lysol kill ALMOST EVERYTHING! You should always have one of two, preferably both.)
- Switch day care: Using a day care where there are six or fewer children, per class, dramatically reduces germ contact.
- Use instant hand sanitizers: A little dab will kill 99.99% of germs without any water or towels. The products use alcohol to destroy germs. (You should KEEP hand sanitizers in your purse and your car...I know I do! *such a f'n lady...LMAO*)
- Use paper towels instead of shared cloth towels.
• Avoid secondhand smoke: Keep as far away from secondhand smoke as possible! It is responsible for many health problems, including millions of colds.
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: The more people use antibiotics, the more likely they are to get sick with
• Breastfeed: Breast milk is known to protect against respiratory tract infections, even years after breastfeeding is done. Kids who don't breastfeed average five times more ear infections.
• Drink water: Your body needs fluids for the immune system to function properly.
• Eat yogurt: The beneficial bacteria in some active yogurt cultures help prevent colds.
• Get enough sleep: Late bedtimes and poor sleep leave people vulnerable (EVERYONE NEEDS THEIR BEAUTY REST!!)
*Brought to via Google Health, The Charlotte Observer, and Doctorsecrets.com*
GET WELL SOON!!
