Do You Know The Difference Between A Cold And The Flu?

The CDC reports that flu kills 36,000 Americans annually. If you have an underlying illness, or if you're over age 50, or an infant, your risk is much higher. The flu vaccine can reduce your risk for serious complications of influenza. Vaccine options include either the flu shot or the flu sniff.

Many people confuse the common cold with influenza (the flu). Influenza is caused by the influenza virus, while the common cold generally is not. While some of the symptoms of the common cold and influenza may be similar, patients with the common cold typically have a milder illness.

(In most situations, cold symptoms will be over within a week to 12 days. If you have chest tightness, difficulty taking a breath, and/or wheezing, call your doctor. You may have a cold complication such as bronchitis or chest cold. Or you might have asthma and a cold. In either case, your doctor may need to see you to let you know if further treatment is necessary.

The best way to prevent a cold is to regularly wash or sanitize your hands. Much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by annual influenza vaccination. To prevent flu, vaccination is recommended. Flu vaccine (influenza vaccine made from inactivated and sometimes attenuated [non-infective] virus) is specifically recommended for those who are at high risk for developing serious complications as a result of influenza infection. These high-risk groups for conventional flu include all people aged 65 years or older and people of any age with chronic diseases of the heart, lung, or kidneys; diabetes; immunosuppression; or severe forms of anemia.