stop cold & flu germs

by Lori Cornell 

Did your holiday season bring an unwanted gift this year? Colds and flu tend to peak from November through March.

According to an article from FDA Consumer, contrary to what many people believe, the increased rate of colds during this time is actually not due to the cold weather. Researchers at the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found people tend to feel under the weather in the winter months because of the greater time spent indoors, increasing the opportunity for viruses to spread among people. Also, the lower humidity during the colder months helps cold-causing viruses thrive and may dry the lining of the nasal passages, making them more susceptible to infection.

What is a cold?

The cold is the most commonly occurring illness in the world, with more than 1 billion colds per year reported in the United States alone. More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the common cold.

What is the flu?

The flu is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses. The flu is known for that “knock you off of your feet” feeling. You can typically tell the difference between the flu and a common cold by the severity.

Symptoms of colds

We are all familiar with those first signs of that dreaded cold. Symptoms usually begin two to three days after infection, starting with sneezing and a scratchy throat. Other symptoms may include a mild cough, headache and a slight fever. Cold symptoms typically last anywhere from two to 14 days, but most people recover in a week.

Symptoms of the flu

While symptoms of colds and the flu are similar, typically the flu will produce higher fevers, extreme fatigue and a worse cough. It is possible to spread the flu to others before your symptoms start – and for another three to four days after your symptoms appear.

Preventing a cold or the flu

While there are ways to prevent getting a cold, don’t be

surprised if you still fall victim to the common cold. Most adults average between two to four colds per year while

children average six to 10. Some ways to reduce your risk include:

• Wash your hands often.

• Clean surfaces such as telephones, shopping carts and stair railings with a virus killing disinfectant. Viruses can live for three hours on surfaces.

• Try to avoid people with colds.

• The best way to prevent the flu is a yearly vaccination (not available for the common cold).

There is no evidence that your chances of getting a cold are related to factors such as exercise, diet, exposure to cold weather or from getting chilled or overheated. However, research suggests that psychological stress and allergic diseases affecting your nose or throat may play a role in your chances of becoming infected by cold viruses.

Always be sure to contact your doctor if your cold or flu symptoms do not seem to be getting better. Sometimes a cold or the flu can lead to some more serious illnesses such as sinusitis or bronchitis. According to a recent survey from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, more than 30 million missed workdays each year can be attributed to these respiratory conditions.

Here’s to a healthy and happy flu season! 

Lori Cornell is communications coordinator at Nationwide Health Plans. 

To comment on this article, e-mail info@ourohio.org

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Click here to login or register.