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Flu (Influenza) vs Cold


Posted Date: 11/17/2017

Flu (Influenza) vs Cold
The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by a virus. 
 
Symptoms:
  • Fever
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • body aches
  • headache
  • chills
  • fatigue
  • and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Some people with Flu will not have fever. 
 
How long can a sick person spread the Flu to others?
People with the Flu may be able to infect others by shedding virus from 1 day before getting sick to 5-7 days after. 
 
Prevention:
  1. 1. Vaccination
  2. 2. Good Hand Hygiene
  3. 3. Cover your nose and mouth
  4. 4. Avoid close contact with sick people
  5. 5. Disinfect surfaces
  6. 6. Practice healthy habits
 
The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold.
 

Symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, might include:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Congestion
  • Slight body aches or a mild headache
  • Sneezing
  • Low-grade fever
  • Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
  • When to see a doctor

 

For adults — seek medical attention if you have:

  • Fever greater than 101.3 F (38.5 C)
  • Fever lasting five days or more or returning after a fever-free period
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Severe sore throat, headache or sinus pain

For children — in general, your child doesn't need to see the doctor for a common cold. But seek medical attention right away if your child has any of the following:

  • Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) in newborns up to 12 weeks
  • Rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in a child of any age
  • Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve
  • Severe symptoms, such as headache or cough
  • Wheezing
  • Ear pain
  • Extreme fussiness
  • Unusual drowsiness
  • Lack of appetite
 
WHEN CAN MY CHILD GO BACK TO SCHOOL/DAY CARE IF HE/SHE HAS HAD FEVER?
YOUR CHILD SHOULD STAY HOME FROM SCHOOL/DAY CARE FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER THEIR FEVER IS GONE WITHOUT THE USE OF A FEVER-REDUCING MEDICINE
A FEVER IS DEFINED AS 100F OR HIGHER.
Cold vs Flu Chart