Fall is just around the corner, which means the summer activities will soon give way to pumpkin picking at Plumper Farms, corn mazes, football games, and cozy weekends with family and friends.
But fall also marks the beginning of cold and flu season. As people spend more time indoors and return to school, work, and busy community activities, respiratory viruses have more opportunities to spread. Two of the most common illnesses you may encounter are the common cold and influenza, or the flu.
Prepare yourself for the cold and flu season by knowing the differences between the viruses and taking a few simple precautions to help you stay healthier throughout the season. But most importantly, know when your symptoms warrant a visit to your local AFC Urgent Care in Cedar Hills.
Why Cold and Flu Spread So Easily in the Fall
The cold and flu are both caused by viruses that spread from person to person. When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, droplets enter the air and land on nearby surfaces. You can become infected by breathing in these droplets or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
The common cold is extremely widespread, with more than a billion cases occurring in the U.S. each year. Flu activity also increases during the fall and winter, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating millions of flu illnesses in the U.S. each year.
While a cold and the flu share some symptoms, they are not the same. Understanding the difference can help you determine how to manage your symptoms and when it may be time to seek medical care.
What to Know About the Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. More than 200 respiratory viruses can cause a cold, although rhinoviruses are among the most common.
Most adults experience 2 to 3 colds each year, with cases occurring most often between September and May. Cold symptoms develop 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus and may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sinus congestion
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chest congestion
- Little or no fever (colds are less likely to cause a fever)
There is no treatment or vaccine for the common cold, and most colds improve on their own. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications can help make symptoms more manageable while your body fights the virus. 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, a visit to AFC Urgent Care Cedar Hills can help determine whether you need additional treatment. 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.
How the Flu Is Different
The flu is another highly contagious respiratory illness. Unlike a typical cold, however, influenza can cause more intense symptoms and may lead to serious complications, including hospitalization.
Flu symptoms often come on suddenly rather than gradually. You may go from feeling fine to feeling significantly ill within a short period of time. Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in children
Flu symptoms typically last several days, although fatigue can linger for weeks after the infection itself improves. You may also be able to spread the virus before realizing that you are sick, according to the American Lung Association.
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 Cedar Hills 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 Prevent the Spread
It’s impossible to completely eliminate your risk of catching a cold or the flu, but a few everyday habits can make a difference. As you head into fall, make these practices part of your routine:
- 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.
One More Preventive Step: Your Annual Flu Vaccine
When it comes to flu prevention, there is one additional step you can take: getting your annual flu vaccine. The flu vaccine changes each year, providing the most effective protection against current flu strains. Vaccination can reduce your risk of getting the flu and can also lower the risk of serious complications and hospitalization.
At AFC Urgent Care Cedar Hills, we recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone who is able. Getting vaccinated helps protect you, but also reduces the spread of the flu virus to family members, friends, and other members of your community.
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 during flu season.
Stay Ready for Fall with AFC Urgent Care
You shouldn’t have to choose between enjoying fall and worrying about getting sick. A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping you safe against the spread of cold and flu viruses. Wash your hands, keep surfaces you touch regularly clean, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and get your flu vaccine.
If a cold or flu virus does catch up with you, AFC Urgent Care Cedar Hills is here to help. Our clinic is open 7 days a week with extended hours, with convenient online booking of appointments when needed. Schedule your appointment today!