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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 a cold or the flu.
- Get enough rest to keep up your resistance.
- Maintain healthy eating and exercise habits.
- 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 per night).
- Drink plenty of fluids (hot or cold; 10 - 12 glasses a day), avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
- To help relieve a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water every four hours. (Dissolve 1/4 tsp. salt in 8 ounces of warm water.)
- Saline nose drops may help a stuffed-up nose. (Dissolve 1/4 tsp. salt in 8 ounces of warm water and place a a few drops of the solution in each nostril.)
- Use a cool mist vaporizer.
- Avoid being around those 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.
Click here for information about flu from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this web site is to provide public access to educational material for personal use only. This information is not considered medical advice. Health Services does not guarantee the accuracy of material contained in other links.
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