Influenza vs. Cold vs. Seasonal Allergies The Importance ...

Influenza vs. Cold vs. Seasonal Allergies &

The Importance of Flu Shots

SEPTEMBER

As we say goodbye to summer the signs of fall start to appear. The temperature gets cooler and the leaves begin to change colors as they fall from the trees. Along with the fall season comes the dreaded flu season. As the weather changes, you or your child may start to experience sneezing, sniffles, and a sore throat and start to question whether it's a cold, seasonal allergies, or influenza, commonly known as the flu. It can be difficult to tell them apart because many of the symptoms are similar, but understanding the differences will help you choose the best treatment.

Cold, flu, and seasonal allergies all affect your respiratory system but each condition has key symptoms that set them apart. Colds and the flu are caused by different viruses whereas allergies are caused by your immune system reacting to a trigger, or allergen, which is something you are allergic to (Ex: Pollen, pet dander).

Both cold and flu can lead to a runny/stuffy nose, congestion, cough, and sore throat. However, with the flu, symptoms tend to be more severe. The flu can also cause a high fever that last for 3-4 days, along with a headache, fatigue and general aches and pains. These symptoms are less common with a cold, although young children can experience a fever with a cold.

Allergies occur when you are exposed to an allergen/trigger and the immune cells in your nose and airways overreact to these harmless substances by releasing histamine. Histamine causes the delicate respiratory tissues to swell and your nose may become stuffy or runny. Allergies can also cause itchy, watery eyes which normally do not occur with a cold or flu.

Symptoms

Fever

Headache General Aches, Pain Fatigue, Weakness Extreme Exhaustion Stuffy, Runny Nose Sneezing Sore throat Cough Chest Discomfort

Cold

Rare (children may have low grade fever)

Uncommon Slight

Sometimes

Never

Common Usual Common Common Mild to Moderate

Flu Usual, high (100-102 F), Sometimes higher, especially in young children; Lasts 3-4 days Common

Usual; often severe

Airborne Allergy Never Uncommon Never

Usual; can last up to 3 weeks

Sometimes

Usual, at the beginning of the illness Never

Sometimes

Sometimes Sometimes Common; can become severe

Common

Common

Usual Sometimes Sometimes Rare, except for those with allergic asthma

If you believe you or your child may have the flu and the symptoms are severe or become severe, please seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia among others. Prevention is the key to dealing with the flu season. The BEST way to prevent the spread of germs is to properly wash your hands often, as well as avoiding close contact with anyone who may have the flu, and getting the flu vaccine every year.

The flu is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a recent study showed that the flu vaccination was associated with a 74% reduction in flu-related hospitalizations of children during the 2010-2012 flu seasons. It is especially important that individuals who are at greater risk of developing serious flu complications (young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions) get vaccinated yearly. The CDC recommends that individuals be vaccinated as soon as a vaccine becomes available, if possible by October. It takes about two weeks for the body to produce antibodies to provide protection against the flu. For further information regarding the flu, please consult a physician and/or visit the CDC website at .

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