Is it a COLD or is it the FLU?
Symptoms
|
Cold
|
Flu
|
Fever
|
Rare
|
Usual; high (100°F to 102°F, occasionally higher,
especially in young children);
Can last 3 to 4 days
|
Headache
|
Rare
|
Common
|
General aches and pains
|
Slight
|
Usual
|
Fatigue / weakness
|
Sometimes
|
Usual;
Can last up to 2 to 3 weeks
|
Extreme exhaustion
|
Never
|
Usual; at the beginning of the
illness
|
Stuffy nose
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
Sneezing
|
Usual
|
Sometimes
|
Sore throat
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
Chest discomfort / cough
|
Mild to moderate; hacking cough
|
Common;
Can become severe
|
Treatment
|
-Antihistamines
-Decongestants
-Tylenol or Ibuprofen
|
Antiviral medicines – see your
health care provider
|
Prevention
|
Wash your hands often with soap
and water
Avoid close contact with anyone
who has a cold
|
Annual Flu vaccine
Antiviral medicines – see your
healthcare provider
|
Complications
|
Sinus infection
Middle ear infection
Asthma
|
- Bronchitis
- Can worsen chronic conditions
-Can be life-threatening, more
likely in the elderly, those with chronic conditions, young children, and
pregnant women
|
Tips to keep you and your child healthy this winter
1.
Get outside, when possible, to get
some Vitamin D from the sun.
2.
Eat healthy. Make sure that what
you give your child for snack is healthy and gives them energy.
3.
Get moving and get some exercise,
even if it is making a snowman or going for a walk.
4.
Drink plenty of fluids since the
dry heat from being indoors or in the car can make us dehydrated.
5.
Use a humidifier if the air in
your home is dry.
6.
Keep you and your child home when
you or they don’t feel well. Rest helps to strengthen our immune system and staying
home benefits those we work and learn with.
6. Do things that make you happy
6. Do things that make you happy