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