It’s Cold and Flu Season

Nobody looks forward to cold and flu season, especially with the threat of COVID-19. In the U.S., flu (commonly known as influenza) season is prevalent in the fall and winter. Though influenza viruses circulate the whole year, they peak between December and February. Meanwhile, people can get colds in any month.

Symptoms

Colds usually come on gradually, and its symptoms include weakness, sneezing, chest discomfort, coughing, and a stuffy nose and sore throat. Colds usually don’t lead to serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalizations. Colds last seven to 10 days.

Flu, however, starts suddenly. The effects can start in as little as 30 minutes. Its indicators include a fever that can last three to four days, aches, chills, fatigue, chest discomfort, a hacking cough, headaches fatigue, and sometimes a stuffy nose and sore throat. Flu can persist for up to two weeks. It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. The best bet is for people six months of age and older to get a flu shot early in the season so their bodies can build an immunity to the virus. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to become effective. If you don't get one early, getting one later is still helpful.

Treatments

There’s still no cure for the common cold, but there are ways to combat it. They include decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, cough medicine and cough syrups, aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, and, of course bedrest. 

Staying at home in bed and drinking plenty of fluids are the best ways to treat flu. If you have a severe infection or are at higher risk for complications, though, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir or baloxavir.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses is important to protect vulnerable populations at risk for severe illness, the healthcare system and other critical infrastructure. 

Valhalla Wellness & Medical Centers offers the highest-quality care and compassion when treating your cold, flu or any other health concern. 

By Valhalla Wellness & Medical Centers

October 26, 2020