Seasonal Cold & Flu – What You Need to Know
Cold & Flu – Not the Same
- A cold and the flu carry similar symptoms, but they differ in severity, treatment, and prevention
- Catching a cold is usually a more gradual process, while contracting the flu is much more abrupt
- A cold and the flu ARE, however, both transmitted the same way (from person to person)
- The symptoms of the flu (especially body aches and fatigue) are much more severe than symptoms of a cold
- There is not a vaccine for the common cold, but there are over-the-counter medications to lessen symptoms
Prevent the Spread of Germs
- Try to limit contact with others while you’re sick and avoid close contact with sick people
- If you have a flu-like virus, stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone (except to get medical care, or for other emergencies)
- Wash your hands often and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs like the flu
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose
Get a Flu Vaccine!
- The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine to protect yourself and others from flu viruses
- There are many different flu viruses, but each annual vaccine protects from the viruses that researchers believe will be the most common
- Even if a vaccine doesn’t prevent you from contracting a flu virus, it will most likely lessen symptoms
- Children under 6 months are too young to be vaccinated, so it is even more important for their caregivers to get a shot themselves
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