Puget Sound Parent: Tis the Season … for Colds and Flu

January 2007

Health Notes:
'Tis the Season … for Colds and Flu

Colds and flu are respiratory infections caused by viruses and are very contagious. Although they are similar in many ways, the flu is far more serious than a bad cold. Each year about 114,000 people in the United States require hospitalization and about 20,000 people (mostly over 65) die from the flu. The elderly and children under age 2 are more likely to have to go to the hospital when stricken with flu.

Flu season usually extends from November through March. The peak months for influenza in Kitsap County are January and February. While the optimal time to get a flu shot is in the fall, a flu shot given later still provides protection. After getting a flu shot, it takes several weeks to build antibodies and the protective effect wanes after three or four months.

Frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent viral infections. Viruses are spread when you touch your hands to your mouth, nose and eyes. Washing your hands often with soap and water will help keep viruses from entering your body. Assuring that you and your child eat well and get adequate sleep, exercise, and outdoor activity help to prevent illness. Eliminate exposure to second hand smoke. Children who are around tobacco smoke are more likely to get colds and develop asthma.

Children get on average of six to eight colds per year. In contrast, adults get two to four a year, with a greater frequency in parents with children. There are 200 different viruses that can cause a cold. Typically, colds begin slowly, two to three days after infection with the virus. The first symptoms are usually a scratchy, sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose. Temperature is usually normal or slightly elevated. Infants and young children may experience more severe cold symptoms and run a slightly higher fever.

A runny nose is a normal part of a cold. When cold viruses infect your nose and throat, your body produces clear mucus, which helps to wash the virus out of your nose. After two or three days, immune cells that attack viruses cause the mucus to change to a white or yellow color. Bacteria that normally live in your nose also mix with mucus and can change it to a greenish color. Thick yellow or green mucus is normal as your body fights the virus and does not mean that an antibiotic is necessary. Cold symptoms may persist for longer than two weeks.

Signs of the flu include sudden onset with a headache, dry cough and chills. The symptoms become more severe than those of a cold. The flu sufferer often experiences a “knocked-off-your-feet” feeling with severe muscle aches and fatigue. A high fever is common with the flu. The fever generally subsides after several days and then respiratory symptoms appear. Fatigue and weakness may persist for days or even weeks.

Antibiotics do not kill viruses, so they will not make a cold or flu go away any faster. Antibiotics are only useful in treating bacterial complications (secondary infections) such as sinus or ear infections. The overuse of antibiotics is a serious problem, resulting in a resistance in bacterial diseases that may render antibiotics ineffective.

Over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms of a cold and flu. Talk with your health care provider about medicines that can help your child feel better.

Colds and flu-like symptoms can sometimes mimic more serious illnesses. And complications such as bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia can occur.

Contact your doctor if your child experiences:

· A high fever (103 º F)
· Has a fever of 101º F for more than two or three days
· Has difficulty breathing or a cough accompanied by wheezing
· Experiences severe or persistent flu or cold symptoms.
While certain symptoms of a cold and flu are similar, the two diseases can usually be distinguished.

Is it a Cold or the Flu?

Symptoms	Cold	Flu
Fever	Sometimes; usually mild.	Usual; high (100-102 F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3-4 days.
Headache	Occasionally	Common
General Aches, Pains	Slight	Usual; often severe.
Fatigue, Weakness	Quite mild	Usual; can last for 2-3 weeks.
Extreme Exhaustion	Never	Usual; prominent at the beginning of the illness.
Stuffy Nose & Sneezing	Common	Sometimes
Sore Throat	Common	Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Cough	Mild to moderate; hacking cough.	Common; can become severe.
Prevention	Wash your hands often.	Wash your hands often. Annual vaccination.
Treatment	Supportive care (rest, increase fluids.)	Supportive care (rest, increase fluids). Antiviral medication within 2 days of symptoms onset.

Lori A. Zumwalt is a public health nurse with Kitsap County Health District (360-337-5235; www.kitsapcountyhealth.com).

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