Since cold and flu are both caused by viruses that can be freely transmitted through droplets in the air or surfaces, all of us are susceptible. You can stop cold and flu germs from invading your system by taking some simple precautions.
- Get your flu shot. Seasonal flu vaccines are very effective at preventing the flu. It works by stimulating the immune system to build antibodies against the flu, which is usually most common between September and February. Generally, everyone six months and older should receive a flu vaccine each year.
- Wash your hands. The flu virus can live on a surface anywhere from two to eight hours. If you’re sharing a keyboard or riding the subway, washing your hands with soap and water can cut the transmission rate of many illnesses by 50 percent. Scrub for at least 20 seconds between your fingers, beneath fingernails and on your wrists.
- Try hand sanitizers. When you can’t use soap and water, hand sanitizers can get rid of a lot of germs. Look for hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 percent alcohol concentration and the active ingredients ethyl alcohol, ethanol or isopropanol.
- Cover your mouth. To prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses, cover coughs and sneezes with tissues if you are going to cough or sneeze into your hand. Cough or sneeze into your arm if tissues are not available.
- Get rest and good nutrition. Both of these support optimal functioning of our body systems including the immune system.
Q: Are New Yorkers at higher risk for catching cold or flu viruses?
A: New York City has millions of people coming and going, so we have to be on alert for infectious diseases. The incidence isn’t necessarily higher, but when we’re talking about communicable diseases, people need to keep at least 6 feet of space from one another. That can be hard to do in a crowded city, so following prevention tips is extra important.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
A: This can be difficult since the symptoms mimic each other. Keep the following in mind:
Cold vs. Flu
– Mild body aches – Severe body aches
– Mild fatigue – Severe fatigue
– Cough – Cough
– Nasal drainage common – Nasal drainage can occur
– Gradual onset – Onset occurs within hours
– Fizzles within 7-10 days – Can take up to 4 weeks to treat
– Fever greater than 100 F
– Headaches
Q: If I do get sick, what are my treatment options?
A: If it’s the flu, your doctor can prescribe medications ideally between 36 and 48 hours of the onset of illness to improve symptoms. The flu can take up to four weeks to resolve and the common cold usually takes up to 10 days. During that time, over-the-counter medicine can ease symptoms, but they can’t cure either condition. Get your rest, eat healthy and stay hydrated so your body can fight off the virus. If you have a high fever or start to worsen after 24 hours, call your physician.