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The difference between a cold and the flu
How can I protect myself against colds and
flu?
How can I manage my symptoms?
The difference between a cold and the flu
Colds and flu are both respiratory illnesses and share many of the same
symptoms. But cold symptoms are generally quite mild, while the flu tends to be
more severe. Flu symptoms may lead to serious heart and lung problems and long
hospital stays .
| Common symptoms of a cold: |
Common symptoms of the flu: |
| • mild fever | • higher fever/sudden onset |
| • runny nose | • fatigue |
| • stuffy nose | • chills/shakes |
| • cough | • body ache |
| • sore throat | • loss of appetite |
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Both colds and flu are caused by viruses. There are over 250 different viruses
that cause colds but not as many that cause the flu. That’s why there is a
vaccine for the flu but not one for colds – it’s just too difficult to develop a
vaccine that protects against all cold viruses.
How can I protect myself against colds and flu?
Being proactive is your best defense against colds and flu.
| • | Practice good respiratory
etiquette – Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve
when you cough or sneeze. Make sure to throw your tissue in the garbage and
thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.
| | • | Don't get caught
dirty handed – Proper hand washing is the key to protecting
yourself from illnesses like colds and flu. Remember to wash your hands with
soap and water before each meal, after using the washroom and after you
cough or sneeze. Here are some easy-to-follow hand washing tips:
| o | Wet your hands from your wrists to
your fingertips with warm running water.
| | o | Apply soap and rub all areas
of your hands for at least 15 seconds.
| | o | Rinse your hands under
running water and air dry.
| | o | Use a hand sanitizer if you
can’t wash your hands with soap and water.
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| | • | Get the flu shot
- Getting the flu shot is easy, free and safe. By getting the flu shot every
year, you'll help protect yourself, your family, students and colleagues
from contracting the flu.
| o | Remember that you can still spread the
flu, even if you get a flu shot. The shot is 70% to 90% effective in
preventing healthy people from getting the flu. Some people who receive the
shot may still get the flu, although the symptoms are usually milder.
| | o | You can go to your doctor,
nurse practitioner or local public health unit to receive your flu shot.
Region of
Peel Public Health also offers free flu clinics throughout
Peel.
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How can I manage my symptoms?
If you do get a cold or flu, you just have to let it run its course. There are
no cures for these illnesses because antibiotics don’t work against viruses. The
best thing you can do is take care of yourself and let your body fight off the
virus.
| • | Get plenty of rest,
especially if you have a fever.
| | • | Don’t go to work
sick – One of the best ways to prevent the spread of flu and cold
viruses is to stay home when you’re sick – your colleagues and students will
thank you for protecting their health!
| | • | Drink lots of fluids
– If you have a fever, your natural body fluids dry up, so it’s important to
replace them by drinking water, fruit juice and clear soups.
| | • | Don’t touch
– Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose or mouth to avoid spreading
germs. Wash any shared surfaces, like phones or keyboards often because
viruses can live on surfaces for several hours.
| | • | Try saline nose
drops – Saline (salt water) nose drops may help to loosen mucus and
bring some much needed moisture to the tender skin in your nose.
| | • | Gargle with salt
water a few times every day to relieve a sore throat.
| | • | Stop smoking, avoid
second-hand smoke and don’t drink alcohol
– they all make cold and flu symptoms worse.
| | • | Consider taking
medication – While there is no cure for colds and flu, some
over-the-counter medications may help to relieve your symptoms.
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Important: Teenagers and children should not take aspirin or
other products containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) because of the risk of
Reye's syndrome.
Pregnant women should not take any medication without checking with their doctor
first.
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Do you need to see a doctor?
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Usually, you don’t need to see your doctor if you have a cold or the flu. But
sometimes colds and flu can turn into other, more serious infections. Call your
doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
In children:
| • | a cold that lasts more than 10 days
| | • | trouble breathing, fast breathing or
wheezing
| | • | high or prolonged fever
| | • | not drinking enough fluids
| | • | bluish skin colour
| | • | earache or drainage from the ear
| | • | irritability, seizures or not waking up
| | • | worsening of existing medical
conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease
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In adults:
| • | high or prolonged fever
| | • | a cold that lasts more than 10 days
| | • | trouble breathing or shortness of
breath
| | • | pain or pressure in the chest
| | • | fainting or feeling faint
| | • | confusion or disorientation
| | • | severe or persistent vomiting
| | • | severe pain in the face or forehead
| | • | hoarseness, sore throat or a cough that
won’t go away
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Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
www.familydoctor.org
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Preparing for a pandemic
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Learn more about the Peel board’s plan for responding to
pandemic illnesses.
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