Cold and flu

A cold isn’t a specific virus, but rather a shorthand for the symptoms we feel when infected with one of many possible viruses. It usually refers to a viral respiratory tract infection.

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an infection caused by a group of viruses that change frequently and are highly contagious.

Symptoms for a cold include:

• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fever

Symptoms for the flu include?

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Cough

A cold is a self-limited viral infection which means it will typically clear on its own. There is no cure, but you can use certain treatments to help provide relief from symptoms. Some OTC medications and treatments for the cold include:

• Painkillers: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can help to relieve muscle aches, headaches, and lower fever. Make sure to use the proper dosage as indicated in the patient information leaflet and do not use them for an extended period. Do not give children and teenagers acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) to relieve cold symptoms because it can cause a dangerous but rare condition called Reye’s syndrome.

• Cough suppressants: Cold and cough medicines help to ease coughing. Do not give cough suppressants to children under six years because of possible side effects.

• Throat lozenge and sprays: Throat lozenges help soothe the throat while throat sprays work by numbing the throat area, which relieves the sore throat pain. A spoonful of honey can be just as helpful as lozenges and sprays.

• Antihistamines: Antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) help to relieve symptoms similar to those of an allergic reaction such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
• Vitamin C, D, and Zinc: These supplements help general body wellness and strengthen your immune system.

Anti-viral medications are available to treat the flu, however they do not ‘cure’ the virus. According to the CDC anti-viral medications started within the first 2 days of symptom onset may reduce the severity of symptoms, shorten the course of illness by 1 day and reduce the risk of flu-related complications. Anti-viral therapy is recommended by the CDC for patients who are very sick or in a high risk group. For OTC medication:

• Stuffy nose? Take 30mg of Sudafed every 8 hours as needed. Don’t take if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop taking it if it makes you feel dizzy.
• Runny nose? Try Flonase (a nasal steroid). Do two sprays in each nostril once daily for a week.
• Have a cough? Take Robitussin DM every 4 hours as needed using the dosing cup in the package.
• Experiencing pain or fever? Take 600mg of ibuprofen (Advil) or 650mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours with food, as needed.