A change in seasons is almost here. In place of the pool visit will be a weekend trip to pick pumpkins and stroll the corn maze at Waltons Farms.
Fall is a welcome change for most, bringing sweater weather and a new school year. Unfortunately, the cooler temperatures are accompanied by two of the most common viral infections and respiratory illnesses that affect the nose, throat, and airways: the common cold and the flu.
Sneezing and coughing release airborne droplets, which carry the viruses, landing on you and the surfaces you touch. 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.
Before fall arrives, learn how to protect yourself and your family from the cold and flu, and know when symptoms warrant a visit to your local AFC Urgent Care in Camas.
Understanding the Common Cold
Colds are minor viral infections of the nose and throat in the upper respiratory tract and can be caused by over 200 different respiratory viruses. The most common virus that causes a cold is the rhinovirus.
Colds 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.
Symptoms & Treatment 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)
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 Camas. 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.
Understanding the Flu
The flu, also called influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness of the nose, throat, and lungs. Like 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 children and individuals with asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases.
There are 3 different strains of the influenza virus: A, B, and C. Influenza types A and B are more severe and common than type C, which causes mild illness with little or no symptoms. What makes the flu so notorious is that the virus is constantly changing, with different mutations of the strains spreading each year.
Symptoms & Treatment 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
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 Camas 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
Despite its grip on the fall season, there are many ways you can significantly lower your risk of getting sick and prevent the further spread of the cold and flu viruses:
- 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.
Importance of the Flu Vaccine
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.
Once you get your vaccine, it can take up to 2 weeks to equip your immune system with antibodies that fight the flu virus. Then the antibodies in the vaccine weaken the virus’s ability to spread. When more people get vaccinated, the risk of a flu outbreak decreases.
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 and remember it takes up to 2 weeks to equip your immune system with antibodies. We encourage you to read more about the flu vaccine and how it can protect you, your family, and your community during flu season.
Schedule Your AFC Visit Today
Don’t let the seasonal bugs sideline you from the fall festivities throughout the Camas area. Our clinic is open 7 days a week with extended hours, ready to efficiently evaluate your symptoms, provide appropriate treatment, and help you recover safely and quickly.
By being diligent and proactive, you can be prepared to fight the cold and flu viruses and enjoy fall festivities.
Schedule your appointment at AFC Urgent Care Camas today!