Common Cold & Flu

Why Do Cold & Flu Happen?

Common Causes

• Viruses: Both are caused by different types of viruses
• Rhinoviruses: Most common cause of colds
• Influenza viruses: Cause the flu (types A, B, and C)
• Coronaviruses: Can cause colds and other respiratory infections
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Common in children
• Adenoviruses: Can cause colds and other infections
• Parainfluenza viruses: Can cause colds and croup

How They Spread

• Airborne droplets: When someone coughs or sneezes
• Direct contact: Touching someone who is sick
• Contaminated surfaces: Touching doorknobs, phones, or other objects
• Close contact: Being within 6 feet of someone who is sick
• Sharing items: Cups, utensils, or towels
• Poor hygiene: Not washing hands regularly

Risk Factors

• Age: Very young children and older adults
• Weakened immune system: From illness, medications, or treatments
• Chronic diseases: Heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease
• Smoking: Damages lungs and weakens immune system
• Stress: Chronic stress can weaken immune system
• Poor nutrition: Not eating healthy foods
• Lack of sleep: Not getting enough rest
• Crowded living conditions: Increases exposure to germs

Higher-Risk Groups for Complications

Some people are at higher risk for developing serious complications from cold and flu:

• People over 60 or 65 years of age: Older adults have weaker immune systems
• Comorbid conditions: People with asthma, diabetes mellitus, or heart disease
• Pregnant women: Pregnancy can affect immune function
• Very young children: Immune systems are still developing
• People with immunocompromised status: Weakened immune systems from illness, medications, or treatments

How to Help Yourself

Self-Care

For most people with a common cold, self-care at home is sufficient:

• Maintain hydration: Drink plenty of water and fluids to prevent dehydration
• Take light meals: Eat smaller, easier-to-digest meals for better comfort
• Have adequate rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection
• Stay home if symptoms worsen: Avoid spreading the infection to others
• Visit your doctor for more specific advice: If symptoms are severe or not improving

Immediate Care

• Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Use humidifier: Moist air can help with breathing
• Elevate your head: Sleep with extra pillows to help breathing
• Take medications: Fever reducers, cough medicine, or pain relievers
• Monitor symptoms: Watch for worsening symptoms
• Stay warm: Keep yourself comfortable and warm

Home Care

• Get plenty of rest: Don't try to do too much too soon
• Drink fluids: Water, juice, broth, or herbal tea
• Use over-the-counter medications: Fever reducers, cough medicine, or pain relievers
• Use humidifier: Moist air can help with breathing
• Gargle with saltwater: Can help with throat irritation
• Use honey: Can help with cough (not for children under 1 year)
• Take warm baths: Can help with body aches
• Use nasal saline: Can help with stuffy nose

Prevention

Preventing cold and flu is important, especially for high-risk individuals:

• Stay away from people who are sick: If possible, avoid close contact with people who have cold or flu symptoms
• Get vaccinated: If you are in any high-risk category, consider visiting a doctor to get advice on vaccines that can prevent some viral infections such as flu and COVID-19
• Wear a mask in crowded places: Masks can reduce the chances of getting respiratory infections
• Frequently wash hands: Regular hand washing prevents spread of germs
• Avoid touching your nose or mouth: Don't touch your face with unwashed hands
• Use hand sanitizer: When soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer to reduce germ spread
• Cover your mouth: When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or your elbow
• Stay home when sick: Don't go to work or school when ill to prevent spreading infection
• Clean surfaces: Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and phones
• Don't share: Don't share cups, utensils, or towels with others

Lifestyle Changes

• Eat healthy: Good nutrition supports immune system
• Get enough sleep: Rest helps your body fight infections
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise strengthens immune system
• Manage stress: Stress can weaken immune system
• Don't smoke: Smoking damages lungs and weakens immune system
• Limit alcohol: Too much alcohol can weaken immune system
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water
• Take vitamins: Vitamin C and D may help support immune system

When to Seek Help

When to Seek Care

If symptoms are worse or not improving, it's important to:

• Rest: Get adequate rest to help your body recover
• Hydrate: Continue drinking water and fluids
• Eat light meals: Maintain nutrition with easy-to-digest foods
• Stay home: Avoid spreading the infection to others
• Seek medical advice: Visit your doctor for more specific guidance, especially if you're in a high-risk group

See a Doctor If:

• High fever: Temperature over 101°F for more than 3 days
• Severe symptoms: Symptoms that are getting worse
• Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Persistent cough: Cough that won't go away
• Severe headache: Intense headache that won't go away
• Confusion: Mental changes, especially in older adults
• Dehydration: Signs of not getting enough fluids
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days: Not getting better

Emergency Situations

• Severe shortness of breath: Can't catch your breath
• High fever: Temperature over 103°F
• Confusion: Mental changes or difficulty thinking
• Bluish lips or fingernails: Sign of low oxygen
• Severe chest pain: Intense pain or pressure
• Loss of consciousness: Fainting or passing out
• Severe dehydration: Not urinating, dry mouth, or sunken eyes
• Severe weakness: Can't move or get up

Next Steps

For High-Risk Individuals

• Consult a doctor regarding vaccines: Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccines for flu and COVID-19 that can help prevent serious complications
• Discuss prevention strategies: Get personalized advice on how to reduce your risk

With Worsening Symptoms

• Rest: Get adequate rest to help your body fight the infection
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and fluids
• Eat light meals: Maintain nutrition with easy-to-digest foods
• Stay home: Avoid spreading the infection to others
• Seek medical advice: Don't hesitate to contact your doctor if symptoms worsen

Ongoing Prevention Habits

• Masking in crowds: Wear a mask in crowded places to reduce infection risk
• Hand hygiene: Frequently wash hands and use hand sanitizer when needed
• Minimize face-touching: Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes
• Avoid contact with sick individuals: Stay away from people who are ill when possible

Remember: Cold and flu are common illnesses that most people get from time to time. While they can make you feel miserable, they usually go away on their own with rest and proper care. It's important to take care of yourself and prevent the spread of germs to others. You are not alone, and there is help available.