Colds and Flu
Causes: More than 200 different viral strains cause acute respiratory illnesses. Colds and influenza (flu) are spread by hand-to-hand contact, breathing in the virus, or by touching infected surfaces and transferring the virus to your nose, eyes, or mouth.
Colds are not caught from drafts, exposure to night air, dampness, rain, cold weather, wet hair, or wet feet. Rainy or cold weather may cause an increased spread of colds and flu only by forcing people indoors and into groups.
Treatment: Have patience. There is no specific treatment except to get extra rest, drink extra fluids, and treat symptoms (i.e., decongestants for stuffiness, cough medicine for cough, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for sore throat, fever, and body aches). Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
If you have influenza and are seen within 48 hours, there is an antiviral medication that can help minimize symptoms.
Use a humidifier if available. Antibiotics do not provide relief and should be used only to treat the complications caused by bacterial infections such as acute sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infection. The normal course of each cold infection is 7 to 10 days regardless of treatment.
Prevention: Flu vaccine in the fall will give some protection from certain types of influenza (especially important for people with chronic illnesses). Avoid direct contact with infected secretions and avoid open sneezing and coughing if possible. Frequent hand washing is important in avoiding the spread of flu and cold viruses. If you are sneezing or coughing, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue; discard used tissues in a trashcan lined with a paper bag.
