A B C OF COMMON COLD AND FLU

COMMON COLD AND FLU

Rainy humid and warm conditions are ideal for common cold and various type of flu to generate some awareness I have collected all “to know things “ for the readers and hope they will be useful in fighting cold and flu in a more efficient manner .

The common cold and flu are caused by viruses that spread from person to person. This is how you can come in contract of  cold and flu:-

• Breathing in tiny droplets containing the viruses that are launched into the air every time someone who has a cold or flu sneezes, coughs or speaks.
• By touching a contaminated surface, like a tissue used by an infected person, door handles, hand rails and telephones, and then touching your nose or eyes.

Symptoms and difference between a common cold and flu? 

Sometimes it is very difficult to tell as many symptoms are common and both are caused by viruses, not by bacteria, which means you can’t treat colds and flu with antibiotics. Cold symptoms are generally milder than those of flu, and they do not tend to lead to any serious health complications, where as in case of flu they can be .

The common cold at a glance

The common cold is a viral infection affecting the upper respiratory system. Symptoms can appear within 10-12 hours of exposure and can include:

• Runny nose
• Sore or irritated throat
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever (mostly in young children)

Flu at a glance

There are three types of flu virus. Type A viruses cause most cases of human flu and some disease in animals. Type B are less common and cause less severe illness. Type C viruses usually only cause mild flu and are rare. Symptoms of flu tend to be more serious than those of the common cold and can include:

• Sudden fever (usually 39°C or above)
• Dry cough
• Muscles pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Extreme tiredness
• Runny or blocked nose
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children)
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How Long is Flu Contagious?

After exposure flu takes  usually 1-3 days before symptoms develop .That means you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you have it.Most people make a full recovery from flu, but it can lead to complications including bronchitis, pneumonia and in rare cases meningitis if due care is not taken .

Prevention Tips

 To prevention cold and flu viruses spreading in the house/office :-

• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing
• Throw used tissue and wash hands thoroughly .
• Use soap and water or hand sanitiser
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser
• Avoid close contact with people suffering from cold or flu

What to do when suffering from cold or flu

Stay home and keep away from crowd . Drink plenty of water and juices. If necessary, take ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the symptoms at  the same time ensure high levels of hygiene.