Cold or Flu — which one has got you?

It starts with a sneeze, followed by a cough and then things go from bad to worse. These symptoms usually indicate that you have either a cold or the flu. Though they may share some of the same symptoms, it is important to be able to tell the difference between the two so that you can seek the proper remedies. Here, then, are some ways to tell the difference between cold and flu.

Identifying and treating a cold
There are several hundred viruses traveling around that can give you a cold at just about any season of the year. In most cases, a cold begins with a mild sore throat that eases after a day or two when the nasal symptoms start to appear. A runny nose and congestion lasts for a few days and then a cough develops. Adults seldom run a fever with a cold. Some people experience a mild headache and some general aches and pain. The whole cycle can last for a week but after that point, there should be an improvement. Most people try to just power through a cold instead of resting. The best way to fight a cold is to respect the symptoms at the beginning and get extra rest. Take decongestants and pain reliever medicines for relief. You are most contagious the first three days that you experience symptoms and can spread the virus to others during this time.

If you are not feeling better after a week, you may have something more serious than a cold, so see your doctor. You might have developed an allergy or a sinus infection, which will need medical treatment to resolve.

Identifying and treating the flu
The flu season begins in the fall each year and continues through spring. Instead of being a gradual increase of symptoms, the flu comes on quickly and with great force. There may be a sore throat, congestion and cough but the main difference is that you have more aches and pains and a general feeling of weakness and exhaustion. Some strains of the flu also bring on vomiting and diarrhea. There is frequently a cough accompanied by chest pain. A major indicator for the flu is a fever of 100 to 102 that lasts three to four days. It is not common to run a fever with a cold but it is very common to experience a fever with the flu. Most of the time, flu symptoms begin to improve after two to five days but you may still feel more tired than usual for a week or longer.

Taking decongestants and over-the-counter remedies for coughs and fever can help reduce the flu symptoms. As with a cold, you should be feeling better after a week. If not, consult the doctor. Fever that lasts longer than three days, painful swallowing, a cough that won’t go away after two weeks or a headache lasting longer than a week are all indications that you might have a different condition that a doctor needs to address.

Identifying pneumonia
One of the dangers of the flu is that it can turn into pneumonia. If you find it difficult to breathe, contact your doctor to check for pneumonia. If you have a fever at the beginning of the flu that goes away and then returns two or three days later, it is often a sign that you might have pneumonia. If you think you might have pneumonia, take steps to get treatment. Pneumonia can be life-threatening.

Prevention 
When people around you get the cold and flu, your best defense is to wash your hands. The viruses enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth. When your hands touch these areas, they could be sending the virus into your body. The flu vaccine is another way to prevent the seasonal flu. Within two weeks of receiving the vaccine, your body builds up antibodies that can prevent the flu

Precautions during recovery
After being in the hospital for a surgical procedure or illness, your immune system can be weakened. Coming in contact with cold or flu viruses can bring difficult challenges to your recovery process. This is one reason why many people choose to recover in a short-term care facility where the environment is carefully controlled to reduce the chances of being exposed to common viruses. Recovery has enough challenges without having the struggles of a cold or flu. For a safe and effective recovery experience, choose Glenview Terrace where you’ll find an aggressive blend of traditional and advanced rehabilitation services to help you recover quickly and thoroughly from your hospital stay.

During your stay at this Medicare five-star rated center for recovery, you can be sure your medications, wound care and other needs will be administered by an attentive team who works closely with your hospital and physicians. The expert therapists will provide the one-on-one physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapies you may need to start regaining the strength, mobility and the confidence to return to your regular schedule. You’ll also benefit from the state-of-the-art equipment in Glenview Terrace’s gyms during your entire stay.

Glenview Terrace delivers this top-notch care in an elegant setting that begins with beautifully landscaped grounds and continues into the spacious, well-appointed rooms. Guests can relax in their rooms with a stunning array of amenities and services to pamper them during their stay. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.