Flu or Colds: How Can You Tell? (Part 2) November 8
We have shared with you tips on how to tell the common cold and the flu apart. Seeing that this is probably information that a lot of people would like to know, we would like to share a few more.
Fatigue. Fatigue is another symptom common to both colds and the flu. The duration, however, that one feels down and out is a good indication of which of the two conditions you actually have. If you have the flu, you will most likely feel tired and achy all over way longer than if you only had the cold; some will feel bad for up to three weeks.
Headaches. Headaches can both happen when one has colds and the flu, but once again, if the headache that goes with all other symptoms is mild, then it most probably is just a cold.
Coughs. The common cold and the flu are both ailments that involve the respiratory system, and both can cause patients to start coughing. Pneumonia, however, can be caused by the flu. If one has difficulty breathing, experience shortness of breath or chest pain as a result of coughing, or if one is coughing up yellow-green or bloody phlegm, then it is best to seek medical attention.
Earaches. This is a symptom that can indicate both colds and the flu due to the fact that both conditions can cause irritation to the Eustachian tube, which connects the throat to the middle ear. These earaches usually go away on their own. If they do not, then consult a doctor as you may have developed an ear infection.
Stuffy nose. This symptom, when it happens all by its lonesome, is an indication of the onset of a cold. If it happens accompanied by fever and being fatigued and achy all over, then you are down with the flu.
If you really feel inadequate to determine whether you are down with the cold or the flu, then it is best to take a trip to the doctor’s office, where a quick flu swab test can determine for sure whether you are down with the flu or not.
Tags: difference between flu and colds, flu or colds, flu versus colds, identify flu
Mary Nov 8
Prevent flu and cold germs from getting you in the first place: My child came home from school saying they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbows with Germie Wormie, and I was totally taken aback. I always used my hands. But I went to the website, and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don’t!! Kids can touch up to 300 surfaces in 1/2 an hour, and they hate to wash their hands. This is a simple thing that can make a huge difference. There is also an entertaining DVD that teaches kids how to do this and reinforces other important hygiene habits.