Cold or Flu?

 IS IT THE COLD OR FLU

 
What is influenza?

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu virus is spread easily from one person to another through droplets made when people with flu, cough, talk or sneeze. On rare occasions, a person might also get flu by touching surfaces (doorknobs, handles, and telephones) that have droplets of the flu virus on them.
There are three types of flu: A, B, and C. Types A and B are responsible for outbreaks of respiratory infection that occur during the winter months and are often linked to increased rates of hospital stays. Statistics show that more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized every year because of the complications of the flu.
Influenza type C does not cause outbreaks and does not have the severe public health impact of the other two types of influenza viruses. 

Symptoms of influenza:

 
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Running or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Generalized body weakness
- Some individuals may experience vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
Influenza symptoms in children
Flu symptoms in children usually come on suddenly and are more intense compared to those of a cold. Typical signs of flu in kids include:
- High-grade temperature (up to 104 degrees F)
- Chills and shakes
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Dry, hacking cough
- Headaches
In young children (infants and toddlers), symptoms of the illness may include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Vomiting tends to be more prevalent than diarrhea. Also, temperature usually peeks, and irritability may be observed.
Influenza in infants who are younger than six months is less common, but symptoms may include poor feeding, listlessness and poor circulation.

Influenza symptoms in the elderly

For the elderly and people with chronic diseases, the flu can be more dangerous. It can lead to a hospital stay or even turn fatal. 

Influenza symptoms in older adults include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Fatigue

Complications with flu symptoms include ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as asthma, congestive heart failure, seizures, diabetes, death. 

Pregnant women who have the flu may experience premature labor and delivery.

Seek Emergency Care?
Dangerous signs/symptoms that will alert you:
- Difficulty breathing or change in breathing
- Prolonged high fever that does not come down with medications
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Persistent vomiting
- Restlessness or irritability in children

Seek immediate medical care from a licensed medical provider.