What is a cold?
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:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- A sore throat
- A cough
- Congestion
- A mild headache or slight body aches
- Sneezing
You might also have a low-grade fever and feel generally unwell.
What is the flu?
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.
What causes the flu?
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.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
The symptoms of the flu vary but can include:
- Nasal congestion and running nose
- Sneezing and sore throat
- Tight chest and chest pain
- Fatigue and aching muscles
- Fever
- Sweats, chills, and increased temperature sensitivity
- A headache and general weakness
- A persistent cough
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.
What are the complications of the flu?
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:
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Asthma flare-ups
- Ear infections
- Heart problems
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.
