Flu Vs Influenza Essay
The flu never fails to strike once the winter months begin. Unfortunately, it can be hard to discern the beginning stages of the flu from the common cold. Recognizing the flu in it's beginning stages can help you curb some symptoms that come along with it. Vaccinating against the flu virus every season is an even better way to combat the dreaded germ. Below is a useful guide you can reference to help you determine if you are suffering from influenza or the common cold.
Check Your Symptoms
In most cases, both influenza and common cold symptoms start the same. This makes it incredibly hard to distinguish the difference. Mild symptoms of both include runny or stuffy nose. You may also experience a mild headache or sinus pressure. The primary difference between cold and flu symptoms happen when you experience symptoms in other parts of your body. Common …show more content…
This means, antibiotics can't help you. The virus must run its course. A cold will only last a couple of days where as the flu may last over a week. When it comes to treating the flu, it is best to:
Stay hydrated Stay home You may be tempted to go to work. Influenza is highly contagious. Stay home and rest until you have gone 24 hours without a fever to ensure you are no longer contagious. Take over the counter flu medication Cover your mouth and discard any used tissues
When you are feeling better, disinfect your home. According to Flu.gov, the flu can live on both porous and non-porous surfaces for several days.
Warning Signs
Most cases of influenza can be handled in your home without care from a physician. However, there are warning signs you need to be aware of:
Fever that is unaffected by OTC medication Difficulty breathing Change in skin tone Dehydration or inability to keep fluids down Lethargy
If you start to experience any of these symptoms, professional medical attention should be sought immediately.
Check Your Symptoms
In most cases, both influenza and common cold symptoms start the same. This makes it incredibly hard to distinguish the difference. Mild symptoms of both include runny or stuffy nose. You may also experience a mild headache or sinus pressure. The primary difference between cold and flu symptoms happen when you experience symptoms in other parts of your body. Common …show more content…
This means, antibiotics can't help you. The virus must run its course. A cold will only last a couple of days where as the flu may last over a week. When it comes to treating the flu, it is best to:
Stay hydrated Stay home You may be tempted to go to work. Influenza is highly contagious. Stay home and rest until you have gone 24 hours without a fever to ensure you are no longer contagious. Take over the counter flu medication Cover your mouth and discard any used tissues
When you are feeling better, disinfect your home. According to Flu.gov, the flu can live on both porous and non-porous surfaces for several days.
Warning Signs
Most cases of influenza can be handled in your home without care from a physician. However, there are warning signs you need to be aware of:
Fever that is unaffected by OTC medication Difficulty breathing Change in skin tone Dehydration or inability to keep fluids down Lethargy
If you start to experience any of these symptoms, professional medical attention should be sought immediately.