With long summer days come an increased risk of sunburns and insect bites. With fall’s crisp, rainy days come the common cold and flu: two of the most common viral infections and respiratory illnesses that affect the nose, throat, and airways.
When you sneeze and cough, airborne droplets that carry the cold and flu viruses are released, which land on others and the surfaces everyone touches. Over a billion cases of the common cold occur each year in the U.S., with an estimated 9 to 51 million flu cases annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Do you know how the cold and flu viruses are different? Learn the differences, the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family, and know when symptoms warrant a visit to your local AFC Urgent Care in Beaverton.
The Common Cold versus the Flu
Colds are minor viral infections of the nose and throat in the upper respiratory tract and are highly contagious, spread through droplets of fluid from an infected person sneezing or coughing. The droplets enter your body through breathing them in or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Most adults average 2 to 3 colds per year, mostly between September and May, while children are more susceptible and can experience 6 to 10 colds.
The flu, also called influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness of the nose, throat, and lungs. Similar to the common cold, your chances of encountering the flu virus are highest from late fall through early spring (October through March).
However, unlike the common cold, the flu is a serious virus that can lead to more severe symptoms, complications, and even hospitalization. Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu, such as younger children and individuals with asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases.
Symptoms of the Common Cold
After a cold virus enters your body, symptoms start developing 1 to 3 days later. Common cold symptoms include:
- Sinus congestion
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Chest congestion and cough
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Sore throat
- No or very low fever (colds are less likely to cause a fever)
When to Seek Treatment for the Cold
There is no treatment or vaccine for the common cold, and most people do not need medical care. The typical recovery time is 7 to 10 days, or longer in children, the elderly, smokers, or those in poor health.
If symptoms continue to worsen or show no signs of improvement, schedule your visit to AFC Urgent Care Beaverton. We can recommend and, if necessary, prescribe medication to help ease your cold symptoms. Over-the-counter medications can also be effective in targeting congestion, reducing fevers (if present), and minimizing headaches.
Symptoms of the Flu
Flu symptoms can appear suddenly, and you can spread the flu virus before you even know you are sick, according to the American Lung Association. Symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days, but you may feel tired for weeks. Many people who become sick with the flu say the sudden and intense symptoms make them feel as if they have been hit by a truck. Common flu symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or Vomiting (usually in children)
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Cough
- Body Aches
- Runny Nose
- Fever
- Chills
When to Seek Treatment for the Flu
If you experience flu symptoms, stay at home, get rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Once your fever has come down, avoid coming into contact with other people for at least 24 hours, especially those who are at high risk of contracting viruses, including infants and the elderly. It will take time for your immune system to completely recover, so be sure to eat healthy, drink fluids, rest, and avoid strenuous activities.
Schedule an appointment or walk-in at AFC Urgent Care Beaverton if you experience a high fever that does not go down, you cannot keep fluids down, or your symptoms last longer than 3 days. We can outline a treatment plan, call in prescriptions, and offer additional recommendations to help you recover faster.
Steps to Protect Yourself from the Cold and Flu
There are many ways you can significantly lower your risk of getting sick and prevent the further spread of the cold and flu viruses this season. A few important steps to protect yourself are as follows:
- Wash your hands with soap and hot water frequently and for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with large groups of people and those who may be sick.
- Wipe down common areas or surfaces with disinfectants regularly.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues immediately.
For the flu, there is one more step you can take to protect yourself: get your annual flu vaccine.
Get Your Flu Vaccine at AFC Urgent Care Beaverton
The flu vaccine changes each year, providing the most effective protection against current flu strains. Studies show that the flu vaccine can reduce your risk of infection by 40-60% and lower the likelihood of severe flu complications and hospitalizations.
We recommend that everyone get the flu vaccine if they are able. The effectiveness of a flu vaccine only lasts about 6 months, so schedule your flu vaccine every September or October. It also takes up to 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to fully equip your immune system with the antibodies to fight the flu. Read more about the flu vaccine and how it can protect you this fall.
Visit AFC Urgent Care in Beaverton
If you start feeling under the weather, our team at AFC Urgent Care in Beaverton is here to help. We are open 7 days a week, available for both walk-ins and appointments, so you can get your symptoms evaluated, receive the care you need, and get back to feeling your best.
A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to staying healthy this season. Protect yourself, your family, and your community, so you can spend more time experiencing Beaverton’s seasonal activities, which hopefully include a trip to Scholls Ferry Farms.
Schedule your appointment at AFC Urgent Care Beaverton!