Colds and Flu

Colds & Flu

Colds are by far the most common illness in the world. In the United States, 90% of the population will have at least one cold per year. The flu is similar, and somtimes has the same symptoms as a cold, but is often much more severe and lasts longer. Cold and flu viruses attack the nose, nasal sinuses, throat and the upper breathing tubes (trachea and bronchi). As they invade the moist skin lining of these structures, they cause runny nose, sinus congestion, sneezing, sore throat and cough. Fever might also occur, usually with the flu. Although it Is difficult to tell the difference between colds and flu (especially in children), the chart on the next page may help distinguish between the two.

The classic symptoms of above begin 1-4 days after contact with the virus and usually last 5-7 days, but can linger on. For most healthy people the difference between colds and flu aren't important. For the elderly, very young children, or otherwise susceptible people, the flu can be very serious. These people should always be seen by a doctor if the flu is suspected.

Causes

Both colds and flu are caused by viruses, and the real difference between them is simply the type of virus that causes the illness. Colds are caused by a number of different viruses, but especially rhinoviruses ("rhino" is Greek for nose, so these are "nose viruses"). Flu is caused by influenza viruses.

Colds & Flu
Children just entering school may have a dozen or more colds in one year, partly because they come into contact with many other children every day. As children grown older, they catch fewer colds because their immune systems become more experiences. Adults average only about 2-3 colds per year. Smoking greatly increases the frequency of colds in adults.
The only way to catch a cold or flu is from other people. The viruses are spread by tiny droplets in the air (such as from a cough or sneeze) or from direct contact (especially handshaking). Infected people can spread the virus from a day or two before they even have symptoms to three or four days after the symptoms start.

AND

Unfortunately, modern medicine has not yet developed any good ways to kill these viruses once they have invaded the body. Vitamin C hasn't been proven to be of any benefit. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, which are very different from viruses. So there is no "cure" for a cold or flu. The best way to handle colds is simply to prevent them from occurring, and if that fails, to treat the unpleasant symptoms. Prevention is mainly a matter of hygiene. To avoid spreading colds:

Avoid close contact during the contagious period.
Wash your hands frequently
Dispose of all tissue used to blow your nose immediately after use
Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing Treating cold symptoms won't cure your cold, but it will make you feel better until your body fights off the virus. General measures include:
Rest. Refusing to rest can result in worse symptoms, delayed recovery, and even relapses.

Fluids. Drink at least two quarts of clear liquids per day, but avoid mild, salty foods, and broths. This will promote drainage.

SYMPTOMS	COLDS	FLU
Fever	Common in children, Usual in adults and adults	Common in children
Muscle Aches	Mild, infrequent	Very common, often severe
Fatigue	Mild, brief	Can be severe and lasting several weeks
Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea	Uncommon	Common, especially in children
Congestion, runny nose, sore throat	Common especially early stages of illness	Common, but late in course of illness

Humidify dry air. Moist air decreases swelling of the respiratory tract and helps to clear our mucus.
Avoid tobacco smoke. Smokers catch more colds which last longer than in non-smokers. Children whose partners smoke also have more colds and ear infections.
Special instructions for infants: Infants and very young children are best treated without cold medicines, since they may not work and have unpredictable side effects in the very young. In addition to the measures above, stuffy noses can be treated with saline nose drops (1/4 tsp. salt in 4 oz. water). 2-3 drops in each nostril for up to 150-30 seconds., followed by suctioning with a bulb syringe. This allows infants to sleep more comfortably since they can't breathe well through their mouths.

Quick Care thoroughly researches the available remedies, then selects products for recommendation. Recommendation is based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration determining the active ingredients of a product to be safe and effective for the symptoms shown below. They must also meet FDA dosing guidelines, have convenient dosing schedules, and the fewest possible side effects. Quick Care also recommends separate products for children since adult medicine often Is neither safe nor effective in kids. Be careful! Many medicines not listed in this brochure (but still available over-the-counter) do not meet these high standards and may be a waste of your money.

Other more serious illnesses are associated with colds and may begin with the same symptoms. It is important to see your doctor for evaluation if any of the following occurs.

Severe, continuos vomiting or diarrhea lasting 8 hrs. or any vomiting and diarrhea not improved after 24 hrs.
Fever over 102 degrees
Earache
Shaking chills
Difficulty breathing
Skin rash
Unusual lethargy or delirium
Change in cough or nasal secretions to thick green or gray
Uncontrollable cough or cough sounding like a "seal bark"

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