Cold, or is it the flu? How to make the difference

Several states have already started reporting influenza-related deaths. Whether you're one of the kind to run to the clinic as soon as the flu vaccine has been given, or you do not believe it, the virus is there and none of us are immune.

The problem is that flu symptoms can be similar to those that accompany colds. So, how can you tell the difference?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colds are generally milder than flu. People who catch a cold are more likely to have runny or runny noses, and this usually does not cause serious health problems, such as bacterial infections, pneumonia or hospitalization.

However, the flu can have serious complications, with symptoms that usually become intense quickly, such as fever, chills, and muscle or body aches.

Here are some symptoms to consider in determining whether you can catch a cold or flu.

Emerging symptoms in children understand:

• Breathing quickly or difficulty breathing.
• Bluish skin color.
• Do not drink enough liquids.
• Do not wake up or interact.
• Bring so irritable that the child does not want to be restrained.
• Flu-like symptoms lessen, but come back with fever and aggravated cough.
• Fever with rash.

Emerging symptoms in adults understand:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
• Sudden dizziness.
• Confusion.
• Severe or persistent vomiting.
• Flu-like symptoms that improve and come back with fever and aggravated cough.

If an infant has any of the following symptoms, it is time to seek medical help immediately:

• Being unable to eat
• Has trouble breathing
• No tears crying
• Much less wet diapers than normal

Anyone with warning signs of flu should go to an emergency room.

In addition, according to the CDC, if you are at high risk for flu complications or if you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. Remember, if you do not have the flu and go to the emergency room, you are at a higher risk of contracting it.

[Are you high risk? Click here to find out]

According to the CDC, the best way to defend against the flu is to get vaccinated, but there are other ways to stay vigilant to protect yourself:

• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay at home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This will protect and protect others from the flu, but also respiratory diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus, whooping cough and severe acute respiratory syndrome.
• Clean your hands often. If you do not have water and soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Adopt other good health habits, such as cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, sleeping well when you can, staying physically active, managing stress levels, drinking lots of fluids and having a nutritious diet.

Graham Media Group 2018