Influenza (flu) and a cold are both respiratory (breathing) infections caused by viruses.  Some of the symptoms are similar, and it can be sometimes difficult to tell if you have the flu or a very bad cold.  The flu can cause more serious illnesses than a cold.  The flu can lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia or death.  If you suspect that you have the flu, seek medical attention as soon as possible.  There are antiviral medications that can help with the symptoms if taken within the first 48 hours of showing the symptoms.  The chart below is a guide on how to tell whether you have the flu or a cold.                                    

Check out http://www.cdc.gov/ for more information about the Flu or call Caldwell County Health Department FLU INFORMATION LINE at 426-8456.

Caldwell County Health Department recommends that all residents use the following prevention measures to lessen the chance of getting the flu:

?      Avoid close contact-avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too. 

?      Stay home when you are sick-if possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. 

?      Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth-germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.  Wash hands with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizers.

?    Seek care early-see your healthcare provider immediately if you develop flu symptoms antiviral medications can help if taken early in the illness.

Symptoms	Cold	Flu
Fever	rare in adults and older   children; can be as high as 102° F in infants and small children	usually 102° F, but can go up to 104° F and usually lasts 3 to 4 days
Headache	rare	sudden onset-can be severe
Muscle aches	mild	usual, and often severe
Tiredness & Weakness	mild	can last two or more weeks
Extreme exhaustion	never	sudden onset-can be severe
Runny nose	often	sometimes
Sneezing	often	sometimes
Sore throat	often	sometimes
Cough	mild hacking cough	usual, can become severe
Complications	Sinus congestion or   earache	Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening