When you think about November, you may think of the chilly, brisk days and the warmth and comfort of Thanksgiving traditions. Yet some other things come at this time of year that are anything but warm and comforting – colds and seasonal influenza. It’s important to remember that while colds and flu both come from viruses, these two respiratory infections behave very differently. The good news is that there are some common tips you can use to protect yourself from colds and flu and stay healthy this fall and winter.First, let’s start with colds. There are lots of different viruses that cause a cold, even though symptoms look the same. On average, adults get between two and four colds per year, but children get more colds, up to 10 or 12. That’s why it always seems like children have runny noses – they often do. Luckily, colds are usually mild and will give you a runny nose, sore throat and a mild cough. Most of the time, symptoms get better after a few days, although some people with breathing problems or allergies may have symptoms that last longer. Colds are plenty common and lead to more trips to the doctor than anything else.Influenza, or the ‘flu,’ as compared to colds, is typically a more significant illness. Symptoms include fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and coughing, which are usually more intense than the common cold. Children may have vomiting or diarrhea as well. Flu can lead to very serious complications, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infection, or hospitalizations, and flu kills about 36,000 people per year in the United States. Persons with chronic heart or lung problems or weakened immune systems are more at risk for getting complications of flu.Colds and flu are spread in the same way, from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with the infection. Sometimes people may get infected by touching something with flu or cold viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose (like door knobs, phones or keyboards). The problem with the spread of cold or flu is that some infected people can start spreading the germs a day or so before their symptoms have started, and they can still be contagious five days or more after their illness starts.As for prevention, there are a few steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy this fall and winter. For starters, the single best way to prevent the flu is to get your annual flu vaccination! So far this season, we have over 120,000 doses of flu vaccine distributed in our county. Call your provider or check the health department’s website to find places where you can get a flu vaccine.Other ways to stay healthy this winter:
- Wash your hands! The CDC says handwashing is the single most effective way to keep from getting sick. Use warm water and soap and clean towels. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective, but remember to wash your hands if they are visibly soiled.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes or cough into your arm. And avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you’re sick, and encourage others to do the same.
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
| Onset | Gradual, 2-3 days | Sudden |
| Affects | Upper body, mostly head | Whole body |
| Fever | Low, if any | Can be high fever |
| Headache | Rare | Usual |
| Aches and pains | Mild, if any | Usual, often severe |
| Runny, stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Fatigue | Mild, if any | Usual, often severe |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Cough | Mild to moderate | Common, can be severe |
