What came first, the cold or the flu?

Who cares.

When a person is feeling sick due to a cold or flu, they really don't care to philosophize about it, they just want to feel better...fast.  Really Fast!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a cold and flu "are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations."

And Family Doctor mentions that although the common cold and the flu share many similar symptoms, they are 2 different conditions.

The symptoms of a cold develop slowly and can include:
• Fever up to 102°F
• Runny or stuffy nose (often with green- or yellow-colored discharge)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Watery eyes

Flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and can include:
• Fever over 102°F
• Stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Chills and sweats
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches, especially in your back, arms and legs
• Cough
• Headache
• Loss of appetite

As everyone should know, viruses are the cause of both the cold and flu. There is no cure for the common cold because there are many different types of viruses that can cause a cold. For the flu, not so many, that is why it is possible to get a flu shot to help prevent getting the strains of flu that are most prominent at the time.

The best way to battle colds and flu is to not be put a position to catch them. Having a healthy body and strong immune system is the best defense for the winter months' ailments. Also hygiene is important, the washing of your hands and keeping them away from the eyes and nose is a smart idea, for these are the best entryways for viruses to get into your body.

Getting plenty of rest, reducing stress levels, eating healthy foods, drinking purified water, and experiencing fresh air and sunshine as often as possible leads to a healthy and happy immune system. A strong immune system is your BEST defense against bacteria and viruses taking hold in your body. To find out more about the immune system v.s. Colds and flu, read A Healthy Immune System: The Best Defense Against Colds and Flu from the Rehabmart library.
  

It has become more important than ever to focus on prevention during the cold and flu season. While it is not possible to completely avoid exposure to these viruses, there are many ways to help prevent infection and stay healthy this winter. Common sense prevention tips include using a tissue to cough or sneeze into, using your elbow to cover a cough when a tissue isn't available, avoiding touching your face, avoiding exposure to sick people if at all possible and, if your doctor recommends it, getting a flu shot. 

Another way to combat germs that can cause a cold and flu is to use a more natural, or 'green', disinfection and sterilization product. One of the most innovative changes in this new millennium of 'green clean' is the use of UVC light to kill microorganisms - including all those pesky cold and flu bugs that get passed around like candy. If you are interested in a more natural approach,  go to Homeopathic Remedies, Herbs, Vitamins, Arnica, Naturopathic Medicine, Homeopathy, Supplements.

So remember, the best way to fight colds and the flu is to do your best not to catch them, but if you do, give your body a lot of rest and relaxation, get well, and appreciate and enjoy the feeling of wellness.

Now, is it starve a cold and feed a fever or feed a cold and starve a fever?


Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO