As the summer months fade and the warmth they bring wanes, the risks of dealing with respiratory illnesses like colds and influenza (the flu) become a greater concern for millions. Easily among the most common sicknesses people contract, the common cold affects as many as one billion people annually, and on average, 22 million school days are missed.
The flu is also highly prevalent, with up to 20% of people infected every year, leading to between 100,000 and 700,00 hospitalizations, and up to 51,00 deaths. Both of these illnesses are bigger problems during the fall and winter months, but you can lower your chances of contracting either with a few simple steps.
Dr. Shawn Veiseh and his medical staff help keep Beverly Hills, California, residents healthy through the fall and winter months when cold and flu infections are likely to be at their worst.
Although technically, cold and flu season occurs during the fall and winter, the actual window when most people are likely to be infected is late August through April of the following year. Different types of infections become more active as the weather cools, and some continue to cause problems as it gets warmer.
These upper respiratory infections enter through your airways (nose and mouth), and both the flu and colds have several overlapping symptoms that can make determining which one you have a little tricky. Here’s what you should know about each:
This infection is generally milder than the flu and often subsides in 7-10 days, but some last as long as two weeks. Symptoms include nasal congestion (runny or stuffy nose), sore throat, coughing, sneezing, mild fatigue, and head and body aches.
Influenza causes symptoms quickly after infection, which may be severe, and typically lasts about two weeks. Like colds, you experience a sore throat, headache, nasal congestion, and coughing, but fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in children only happen with the flu. A dry, hacking cough, severe fatigue, and body aches can also accompany severe cases.
To get your body ready for cold and flu season, be sure to take these steps:
Influenza mutates and adapts to create new strains that require annual shots, so make sure to get yours.
Wearing a mask helps keep your airways free from viruses and bacteria, preventing you from getting sick. When in public or visiting others who may be ill, be sure to use one.
Having a stock of medications that help reduce symptoms when dealing with the flu or a cold can make enduring them easier.
Getting vaccinated, maintaining a certain distance from people in public, and washing your hands regularly are all measures to reduce your risk of infection. It's essential to remember these precautions to stay healthy.
If you’re infected, staying home prevents others from getting the infection and allows you to recuperate in familiar comforts. If you have your medicine cabinet stocked, use those available medications to ride out the illness.
Cold and flu season is coming, but you can stay ahead of it if you’re prepared. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Veiseh today by calling our office or scheduling a visit online to manage your cold and flu problems.
