Is it the Flu or a Cold?
It is wintertime and we are in the heart of flu season. Many people are coughing, sneezing and blowing their noses. But how do you know if it is the flu or just a bad cold?
According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is not always easy to tell since both conditions are viral illnesses that share many symptoms. In general the flu is worse than the common cold and can lead to serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or even hospitalization.
Regardless of whether you have a cold or the flu, the illness will usually go away on its own. You should see a doctor if your symptoms change or get worse or if you have a pre-existing health condition such as, diabetes, asthma or heart disease.
The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year before flu activity begins in their community. But is it too late to get a flu shot?? Not according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), vaccinations can be protective as long as flu viruses are circulating. And although seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, flu activity usually peaks in January or February, and can last well into May. So if you haven’t already done so, then go get your flu shot! And remember that practices such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick can also help to decrease the spread and minimize the effects of flu.
