by Dr. Stephen Rohrer
As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip, cold and flu season comes into full swing. This month’s focus is all about prevention, symptoms, and care tips to help you and your family stay healthy and prepared for the season.
Understanding the Common Cold and Influenza (Flu)
Both the common cold and the flu are viral respiratory infections but have unique symptoms and treatment considerations. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the differences:
- Common Cold: Caused by various viruses, primarily rhinoviruses, the cold is less severe than the flu. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and mild fever.
- Influenza (Flu): Influenza viruses cause the flu, which tends to be more severe. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory issues. Complications, especially in children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems, can lead to hospitalization.
Top Tips for Prevention
Preventing the spread of colds and flu starts with basic health habits. Here are LifeWellness Institute’s recommendations to help protect you and your loved ones:
- Get Vaccinated
- Flu Vaccine – The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age. It’s proven to reduce flu severity and prevent complications.
- COVID-19 Vaccine – Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations is recommended, especially for high-risk groups, as COVID-19 continues to circulate and may have overlapping symptoms with flu.
- RSV Vaccine – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines are now available for older adults and for some infants through passive immunization. RSV can be particularly severe in infants, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory conditions, so speak to your healthcare provider about RSV vaccination if you or a family member falls into a high-risk category.
- Practice Good Hygiene – Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid Close Contact – When you or others around you are sick, try to keep a respectful distance to prevent the spread of germs.
- Strengthen Your Immune System – Good nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise can help boost your immune defenses.
Recognizing Symptoms Early
If you or a family member feel symptoms coming on, recognizing them early can help you manage symptoms and reduce spread:
- Cold Symptoms: Gradual onset, mild to moderate symptoms like a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. Mild fever is possible.
- Flu Symptoms: Sudden onset with fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and potentially even gastrointestinal distress.
Managing Symptoms at Home
While there’s no cure for colds or flu, here are some effective ways to manage symptoms:
- Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids like water, tea, and clear broths to stay hydrated and thin mucus.
- Rest Up – Your body needs energy to fight off the virus. Aim for extra sleep and avoid overexertion.
- Use Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Wisely – For fever, aches, and congestion, OTC medications can offer relief. Speak with a healthcare provider before combining medications, especially if you have other health conditions.
- Gargle and Soothe – A saltwater gargle or honey in tea can help ease a sore throat.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most people recover from colds and flu on their own within a week or two, but certain cases may require professional care. Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath
- High or Persistent Fever that doesn’t respond to OTC medication
- Severe Fatigue or Muscle Pain
- Chest Pain
- Symptoms Lasting More Than 10 Days or Worsening Over Time
For high-risk individuals—such as young children, elderly adults, and those with chronic illnesses—it’s best to consult a healthcare provider promptly if any symptoms arise. A good resource regarding the prevalence of respiratory illness in San Diego County can be found at this link: Respiratory Viruses Surveillance.
Stay Connected with Your Health
During this cold and flu season, remember to prioritize preventive care, healthy habits, and timely medical consultations. LifeWellness Institute resources are here to support you in staying informed and proactive. Wishing you a healthy season ahead!
This newsletter is brought to you by your health and wellness team, providing tips and tools to keep you well-informed and healthy. To schedule your flu shot or get more information about vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, RSV, and flu, or for illness management, contact LifeWellness Institute at(619) 398-2960.
Stay Healthy, Stay Prepared!