A common cold can be annoying and the flu can be life-threatening and lead to severe complications in children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. At Family Medicine NYC, PC in the Financial District of Manhattan, New York City, Eva Galstian, MD, Virali Patel, PA, and the team of skilled medical professionals provide proactive and reactive medical care for colds and the flu. If you have concerns or questions, start by booking your consultation online or calling the office today.
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (throat and nose). It’s typically harmless and most people recover within a week to 10 days. If symptoms don’t improve, visit the team at Family Medicine NYC, PC for diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Symptoms of a common cold include:
You might also have a low-grade fever and feel generally unwell.
Influenza is a viral infection. The flu attacks your respiratory system and can resolve on its own in some cases. Sometimes, the flu can be life-threatening and lead to complications, particularly in people with weakened immune systems, older adults, and younger children.
Those with chronic medical conditions like kidney and heart disease, asthma, and diabetes also have an increased risk of developing complications from the flu.
The best preventive care method to protect you against the flu is your annual flu vaccination. Annual flu vaccines are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.
Flu viruses travel through the air when an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs. You can contract these germs when you touch an object like a computer keyboard and then touch your face, transferring the germs to your mouth, nose, or eyes. You can also inhale the droplets in the air.
If you’re symptomatic with the flu, you’re usually contagious.
The symptoms of the flu vary but can include:
If you have symptoms of a common cold or the flu, it’s best to visit your doctor at Family Medicine NYC, PC for treatment.
If you’re in good health, you should be able to fight off the flu within a couple of weeks without any lasting effects. Those with an increased risk can develop complications, such as:
To treat the flu, your doctor might recommend medical monitoring, plenty of hydration, and certain medications, such as antiviral medications, pain relievers, decongestant nasal sprays, and cough syrups.
To learn more about the flu and find relief, call or click to visit Family Medicine NYC, PC in New York City.