Colds and Flu

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses. It is estimated that at least 200 different cold viruses exist! There are also many kinds of flu viruses, but usually only a single type of virus in a flu season.

Colds and flu can be spread through the air by coughing and sneezing, through direct contact by kissing or shaking hands or through indirect contact by sharing objects used by someone sick with the virus.

Avoiding Colds and Flu

• washing your hands with soap and warm water several times a day, especially before eating is probably the best defense you have against getting the flu or a cold.
• get enough rest to keep up your resistance
• maintain healthy eating habits and exercise
• manage your stress
• get a flu shot in the fall as a preventative measure

Coping with a Cold:

• get plenty of sleep, 8-10 hours
• drink plenty of fluids, hot or cold, 10-12 glasses a day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol
• gargling with salt and warm water can help relieve a sore throat. (Dissolve 1/4 tsp. salt in 8 ounces of warm water). Gargle every 4 hours
• saline nose drop may help a "stuffed up" nose. (Dissolve 1/4 tsp salt in 8 ounces of warm water). Place a few drops of the solution in each nostril.
• use a cool mist vaporizer
• avoid smoking and being around others who smoke
• if necessary, use over-the-counter medications to treat the symptoms; Hard candies, lozenges, cough drops for a sore throat. Pain relievers may help body aches, headache, sore throat and fever. Decongestants can relieve a stuffy nose, ear congestion or ear popping. Cough syrup may help if the right type is used. If the cough is dry, without secretions, an expectorant-suppressant may help loosen up mucus. If the cough is wet and productive, a cough suppressant should not be used unless the cough is preventing you from sleeping. Antihistamines are effective in relieving allergy symptoms, but may not be effective for a cold or flu.

See your health provider when:

• you have a persistent sore throat without other cold symptoms
• you have a fever lasting more than three days
• you have unusual symptoms such as nausea, persistent headache, extreme fatigue or rash
• you have pus or mucus visible on your tonsils

Learn the "Cold Facts"

Learn the "Flu Facts" at Flu 2008-2009 and The Minnesota Department of Health

Learn about the "Swine Flu" from the CDC April 2009