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Know the Difference Between a Cold & the Flu

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I wanted to share some information to help clear up confusion regarding the difference between colds and flu. While the flu is widespread in NJ, we are seeing lots of colds and coughs unrelated to the flu. Knowing the difference and the severity of your symptoms can help you determine if you should be seen and what you should do.

The flu is a virus that causes a fever, cough, body aches, and congestion—symptoms are severe and long lasting. Although the common cold is caused by a virus and has similar symptoms, the symptoms are less severe and typically last up to a week.

Here are a few tips to prevent and treat the cold and flu:

  • Eat well – plenty of greens, and other fruits and veggies. Avoid processed foods and added sugar.
  • Stay well hydrated- with water and herbal teas
  • Get enough sleep
  • Meditate or do relaxation techniques daily
  • Stay positive, laugh often
  • Exercise moderately 20-40 minutes most days of the week
  • Wear a coat and cold weather gear
  • Consider probiotics – especially bifidobacter

To help boost your immune support at first sight of symptoms:

  • Vitamin C 500mg- 2-3 times per day
  • Elderberry- take 1-2 ml of Elderberry concentrate 3-4 times per day for 4-5 days
  • Zinc lozenge- every 2-3 hours while awake for 3 days

To help with symptoms when sick:

  • Steam inhalation with Eucalyptus or peppermint and chamomile
  • Use a nasal saline
  • Drink hot tea—ginger, peppermint, or chamomile
  • Use honey—take ½ -1 teaspoon as needed for cough
  • Use peppermint rubs on the chest or back
  • Eat bone broth – Beef bone broth and Yes! Chicken noodle soup does boost the immune system.
  • Treat a fever to feel comfortable – high temperatures help your immune system. Try a wet sock technique. Put on a wet pair of socks and a dry pair over top.  If needed, use the lowest effective dose of a fever reducer like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

It’s important to note that antibiotics work to kill bacteria and not viruses, so unfortunately, they are not effective for colds or the flu. We need to rely on our own bodies to take care of the infection. This is why it is so important to treat them right with rest, fluids and the right nutrients.

The flu can become serious so please reach out immediately if you have shortness of breath, confusion, severe headache or can’t keep fluids down—we are always available on Spruce. If you do visit our office and think you may have the flu, please request a mask.

Do I need the flu shot?

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Still deciding whether you should get the flu shot? Just about everyone needs ones and it offers countless benefits.

Every year, a small needle prick can lower your risk of getting the flu while also protecting the people around you. It’s important that you get the flu shot yearly because the flu viruses are constantly changing and over time your immunity decreases.

Most people have heard of the flu but don’t know the extent of its severity. If you catch the flu it could result in hospitalization or even death. Here are some statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that may encourage you to get your flu vaccination this year.

  • During the 2016–2017 season, vaccination prevented an estimated 5.3 million illnesses, 2.6 million medical visits, and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations.
  • A 2017 study was the first of its kind to show that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from influenza.
  • A 2018 study showed that among adults hospitalized with flu, vaccinated patients were 59% less likely to be admitted to the ICU than those who had not been vaccinated. Among adults in the ICU with flu, vaccinated patients on average spent 4 fewer days in the hospital than those who were not vaccinated.

It is recommended that you try to get the flu vaccine by the end of October. However, if you don’t get the vaccine by then, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.  You can get vaccinated at any time throughout the flu season. But don’t wait too long, it takes 2 weeks for your body to develop immunity after you get the flu shot. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or local pharmacy and get vaccinated today.

 

The Battle of Flu Prevention

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Although the weather is a bit misleading, we are in the start of flu season. While many people may have misconceptions about the vaccine, think they are immune to the flu, or may even believe the flu is a myth, it is very important to take the preventative measures to thrive during flu season. Moreover, if you were skeptical about the flu and its vaccine, here are some WebMD stats that might change your mind.

  • Between 5% to 20% of the U.S. population will get the flu, each year
  • 200,000 Americans are hospitalized each year from the flu and its complications
  • In the U.S., 3,000 – 49,000 people will die each year from flu-related causes
  • Finally, it can take between 1-4 days before flu symptoms begin to show, and you may still be contagious 5-10 days after the illness starts.

As you see, it’s important to take the preventative steps that aid in virus prevention, not only for yourself, but for those around you. Where can you find these tips? Look no further than your R-Health doctors, who are always available for you.  Remember, staying positive and relaxed helps the immune system.  If you are not yet an R-Health member, here are some tips to get you started.

  1. Get the Flu vaccine
  2. Wash hands frequently
  3. Eat Well (plenty of veggies, fruits, and healthy fats, while avoiding added sugar)
  4. Stay well hydrated.
  5. Get enough sleep.
  6. Wear a coat and other cold weather gear (hat/gloves/scarf) when needed
  7. Vitamin D (take 1000-20000 iu daily) unless otherwise recommended by your doctor

In the unfortunate instance you contract the flu, there are a few treatment options you can explore as well.   Talk to your doctor as soon as you have symptoms to find out if a prescription anti-flu medication is needed.  If you don’t have any special medical circumstances, often natural measures are best.  Subsequently, below are some natural treatment tips for the flu:

  1. Elderberry – Take Sambucol (1 tablespoon, 4x a day, for 5 days at first sight of the flu).
    • If you have contact with the flu you can also use Sambucol as means of prevention (2 tablespoons, 2x a day)
  2. Zinc – Take Zinc Lozenge (avoid intranasal zinc) every 1-3 hours for 3 days at first signs of the flu
  3. Steam inhalation with Eucalyptus oil and Chamomile can ease congestion, cough, and mucous membrane irritation
  4. Bone Broth – Soup helps boost the immune system
    • Beef bone broth, and yes, even chicken noodle soup works well!
  5. Honey – A natural cough suppressant, honey works better than Delsym. Take ½ to 1 tsp every 1-2 hours as needed.
  6. Treat a fever only to feel comfortable – High temperatures boost your immune system, but if needed, use the lowest effect dose of fever reducers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
    • Try the wet sock technique: put on a pair of wet socks, then a dry pair overtop

As a note, it’s important to inform your doctor on all herbal medicines you plan to take, and more importantly, if you experience shortness of breath, severe headache, confusion, and/or the inability to keep fluids down.  Remember you have unlimited access to your R-Health doctors who are available to you.

 

Three Quick and Easy Ways to Prevent the Flu

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There’s nothing quite like the weather in…February? And although everyone seems to be enjoying the spontaneous springtime weather, it’s important to remember that we’re still in the peak of flu season. Given such, it’s vital to take the right steps to prevent catching the virus.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined three simple actions you, and those closest to you, are urged to follow – starting with getting a flu vaccine. In reality, I’m sure we all know people who forego the recommended yearly vaccine. However, due to the various flu viruses attainable, the vaccination plays a major role in reducing flu-related hospitalizations, illnesses, and missed time. This is especially the case for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and children; as they are at higher risk of the flu. Though one may be averse to needles, that’s nothing your favorite song or podcast can’t get you through.

The second action is simple: take preventive measures to stop the spread of germs. These are common courtesy factoids such as the following:

  • Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing
  • Wash your hands with soap and water
  • Stay home if you’re sick/avoid close contact with people who are sick

Along with avoiding touching facial features to deter germ spread, it’s wise you keep a bottle of sanitizer handy, and a few wipes for good measure.

Finally, the last method is if you do contract the flu, you may need to take flu antiviral drugs, as prescribed by your doctor. And, if you have not had a flu vaccine but have had close contact with someone that has the flu, your doctor may also recommend antiviral drugs.

Studies show that antiviral drugs garner the best results when started within two days of getting sick or being exposed to the flu virus. Therefore, in the unfortunate case that you contract the flu, or you are unvaccinated and have been in close contact with someone that has the flu, it’s best to reach out to your doctor immediately and follow his or her instructions to best treat your illness.

Your doctor can help figure out a treatment plan to help you get good and healthy once the true springtime weather rolls around!

Dr. Randi Protter is a physician at R-Health Ewing.