Jenny Taylor
It is that time of the year again when colds and flu are upon us. How can we tell the difference between a cold and flu, and how do we treat them?
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A cold:
• Symptoms develop gradually over one or two days, mild fever, scratchy throat, sneezing, runny nose followed by congestion. A cough may develop later and mild muscle aches may occur.
• The patient recovers fully after four to 10 days later following the symptoms, with or without treatment.
• The symptoms are uncomfortable but not disabling.
Treatment:
Antibiotics are not required as colds tend to be viral infections.
Drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy, rest as much as possible and treat the symptoms with a decongestant, pain killer and cough mixture as required.
Flu:
• Symptoms appear rapidly with a fever of 38-40 degrees Celsius. Sudden fever and chills, often headache, vertigo and nausea. May have a sore throat or cough.
Runny nose is less frequent than in a cold. Muscle aches and pains and fatigue is common.
• Severe symptoms last four to five days and recovery is generally complete in seven to 10 days.
• Fatigue and depression may last for several weeks.
Treatment:
At-risks groups should receive the flu vaccination every autumn.
(The elderly, pregnant women, healthcare workers, HIV infected patients, children aged six to 59 months and people, with chronic conditions.)
Drugs taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms reduce the duration and severity of flu.
Use ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol to relieve pain.
Stay warm, drink plenty of fluids and rest as much as possible.
Antibiotics may be required if there is secondary infection.
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