It's that time of the year again, and providers want to keep you and your family healthy during cold and flu season.
"The cold and the flu are two separate viruses," said Brickley Biondi, a certified physician assistant with UCHealth Primary Care – Steamboat Springs. "Good, basic hygiene like washing your hands and wearing a mask if you are ill can help prevent the spread of these illnesses."
But while colds can be trickier to prevent, the flu is easier to avoid, and health experts like Biondi recommend that everyone ages 6 months and older should get their annual flu shot to prevent serious illness. Flu vaccines are especially important for pregnant women, older people and those with compromised immune systems.
"The flu shot is safe and effective," Biondi said. "I would encourage anyone and everyone to get it."
Biondi answered frequently asked questions about colds and the flu.
Do flu shots give you the flu? Why do I feel tired or have a sore arm after I get my shot?
"We hear this all the time, and it's just not true," said Biondi.
What people might think is a case of the flu after a flu shot is typically only a reaction to it, as the body's immune system responds by creating antibodies that will fight against the virus if you do get the flu.
Plus, the vaccine contains an inactive virus, not a live one, and cannot cause illness. As the vaccine doesn't become fully effective for two weeks, there is also the possibility that some people might be exposed to the virus during that interim period and develop the flu, which might cause them to mistakenly believe the vaccine gave them the flu.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
Biondi recommended getting a shot in late October or early November for maximum effect.
"If you are traveling, get it sooner rather than later to protect you in airports, busy and crowded public spaces, and especially with the holidays just around the corner," she said.
I'm healthy. Why should I get a flu shot?
"Getting a flu shot helps not only you, but those in your community who haven't gotten the vaccine, including the very young and the elderly, by creating herd immunity," said Biondi. "Flu shots reduce severity of the illness and prevent serious complications."
What are some differences between the flu and a cold?
The flu usually comes on faster and has more severe symptoms than a cold. Although both tend to run their course in roughly three to four days, a complete recovery might take 10 to 14 days, with persisting fatigue and weakness.
Both illnesses can sideline people with a sore throat, upper respiratory congestion and fatigue. The flu can also bring a fever, headache, nausea and muscle aches, as well as diarrhea and vomiting in children at times. A cold usually includes a runny nose and sneezing.
How can I protect myself and my family from getting colds and the flu?
- Wash your hands often.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Don't send sick children to school.
- If possible, self-isolate in your home, and use separate towels for sick family members.
- If you are sick, wear a mask if you need to be in public.
Are there any antibiotics I can take if I have a cold?
No.
"Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, and most upper respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses," Biondi said. "There can be complications from colds such as sinus infections and pneumonia that require antibiotics, but you don't always know that right away."
Instead, use "supportive treatments" such as pain relievers, decongestants, cough medicine and plenty of liquids. A humidifier and cough drops can offer some comfort as well. And get lots of rest.
Should I see a provider for the flu or cold?
If symptoms have not improved or have gotten worse after seven to 10 days or with children who are very ill, contact your provider to get advice about how you are doing.
Seek help immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Coughing up blood.
- Confusion, severe vomiting or fever with a rash.
"It's important for higher risk individuals or children to come in and be seen so we can check vital signs and blood pressure and make sure nothing more serious is going on," Biondi said.
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