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Colds and the flu are viral infections that exhibit similar symptoms, such as
coughing and sore throat.
A cold is a minor viral infection of the nose and throat. The flu, on the
other hand, is usually more severe, with symptoms that include the sudden onset
of high fever and the addition of aches and pains.
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Symptoms
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Cold
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Flu
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Fever
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Rare
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Normal
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Chest discomfort
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Mild to moderate
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Common
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Stuffy nose
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Common
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Sometimes
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Headaches
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Rare
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Prominent
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Aches and pains
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Slight
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Usual, often severe
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Tiredness/weakness
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Very mild
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Can last two to three weeks
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Sneezing
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Usual
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Sometimes
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Extreme exhaustion
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Never
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Early and Major
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Sore throat
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Common
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Sometimes
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Cough
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Chesty
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Dry and can become severe
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It is important to act within two days of the start of symptoms.
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Influenza sconsultation.
Learning the facts about flu is the first step toward protecting yourself. The
flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection and it is highly contagious. It
is most common in the autumn and winter, and is caused mainly by viruses called
"type A" and "type B" influenza viruses. These enter the body through the
mouth, nose and eyes.
When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne and can
be inhaled by anyone nearby. School-age children are often the first to get the
flu, which they carry home and to other places in they visit
The flu generally strikes 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus. Fever is one
indicator of the flu in all age groups. However, fever alone is not sufficient
for a flu diagnosis.
Common flu symptoms have been identified for three different age groups:
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Adults and children over 5 years
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Children under 5 years
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Elderly individuals.
Recognizing flu in adults and children over 5 years.
Common flu symptoms are:
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fever
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chills/sweats
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cough
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muscle and joint pain
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headache
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fatigue and weakness
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sore throat
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately.
Get a diagnosis within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms and, if
appropriate, your doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication, which attacks
the influenza virus (the flu)and stops it from spreading inside the body.
Recognizing flu in children under 5 years.
Call your doctor if your child complains of or if you observe:
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fever
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vomiting
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diarrhea
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nasal inflammation
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sore throat.
Recognizing flu in the 50+ population.
Older family members are also susceptible to the flu virus. Common flu symptoms
for individuals over 50 are:
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fever
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fatigue and weakness
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confusion
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nasal obstruction.
A doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication, which, if taken within 48 hours
of the onset of symptoms,attacks the flu virus and stops it from spreading
inside the body.
What else can I do?
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Rest.
It will help you get better and keep you from spreading the flu virus. Flu is
contagious for 3 or 4 days after symptoms appear.
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Liquids.
You should drink plenty of fluids, which your body needs to avoid dehydration.
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Temporary Relief.
For soothing symptoms, hot liquids may relieve the feeling of congestion.
Taking a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may lessen aches and fever.
Other "over the counter" therapies - while not treating the virus that causes
flu - may also temporarily relieve flu symptoms.
Of course, never give aspirin to a child under 12 who has the flu, or any
fever-causing illness, due to the risk of a serious adverse effect known as
Reye's syndrome.
Can the flu be cured with antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics are only useful for treating bacterial infections. Because the
flu is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antivirals are
the only prescription medications that can treat the flu.
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