As the seasons change, the warm-weather issues of sunburns and insect bites fade, with fall bringing a new set of challenges: the common cold and flu.
These two viral respiratory illnesses affect the nose, throat, and airways and tend to become more common as the weather cools. Because both illnesses can spread easily, taking a few preventive steps can help protect you and those around you this fall.
So, how can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu? Keep reading to learn more about their symptoms, how they spread, and when it may be time to visit your local AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro.
Why Colds and the Flu Spread So Easily
Both the common cold and flu spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets travel through the air and land on nearby people or frequently touched surfaces. You can become sick by breathing in the droplets or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
The common cold is especially widespread, causing more than a billion illnesses in the U.S. each year. The flu is also a significant seasonal concern, with an estimated 9 to 51 million cases occurring annually.
Understanding the Common Cold
The common cold is a minor viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. It is highly contagious and can be caused by a variety of viruses.
Adults typically experience 2 to 3 colds each year, with most cases occurring between September and May. Children are more susceptible to catching colds and may experience 6 to 10 each year.
Common Cold Symptoms
Once the virus enters your body, symptoms generally begin to appear within 1 to 3 days. Common cold symptoms include:
- Sinus congestion
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Chest congestion and cough
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Sore throat
- No fever or a very low fever (colds are less likely to cause a fever)
When Should You Seek Care for a Cold?
There is no cure or vaccine for the common cold, and most people can recover at home without medical treatment. Symptoms typically improve within 7 to 10 days, although recovery may take longer for children, older adults, smokers, and people in poor health.
Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications can often help manage congestion, headaches, and fever when present. However, if your symptoms continue to worsen or are not improving, visit AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro. Our medical providers can evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment options, including prescription medication when appropriate.
What Makes the Flu Different?
The flu, or influenza, is also a highly contagious respiratory illness affecting the nose, throat, and lungs. Like the common cold, flu activity tends to increase from late fall through early spring, with cases commonly occurring between October and March.
However, the flu can cause more severe symptoms and may lead to complications or hospitalization. Young children and individuals with asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases may have a higher risk of developing flu-related complications.
Recognizing Flu Symptoms
Unlike a cold, flu symptoms can appear suddenly. Many people describe the sudden onset of the flu as feeling like they have been “hit by a truck.”
You may also be able to spread the virus before you realize that you are sick, according to the American Lung Association. Most flu symptoms last between 5 and 7 days, although fatigue can linger for several weeks. Common flu symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or vomiting, usually in children
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Cough
- Body aches
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Chills
When to Visit Urgent Care for Flu Symptoms
If you have the flu, staying home, resting, and drinking plenty of fluids can help support your recovery. Eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity while your immune system recovers.
It is also important to avoid close contact with others when you are sick, especially infants, older adults, and others who may be at a higher risk of complications.
Schedule an appointment or walk in to AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro if you have a high fever that does not improve, cannot keep fluids down, or have symptoms that last longer than three days. Our team can evaluate your condition, recommend a treatment plan, and provide prescriptions when appropriate.
Everyday Habits That Prevent Colds and the Flu
While it is impossible to avoid every cold or flu virus, healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick. Here are a few ways to protect yourself this season:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Limit close contact with people who are sick and avoid large crowds when possible.
- Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and dispose of used tissues immediately.
In addition to these everyday habits, getting your annual flu vaccine is an important way to protect yourself specifically against the flu.
Importance of Your Annual Flu Vaccine
The flu virus changes from year to year, which is why the flu vaccine is updated regularly to provide protection against the current strains. Studies have shown that vaccination can reduce the risk of flu illness and may also lower the likelihood of severe complications and hospitalization.
The flu vaccine takes up to 2 weeks to help your immune system build antibodies against the virus. Since vaccine protection also decreases over time, getting vaccinated annually is important.
If you are eligible to receive the flu vaccine, consider scheduling your flu shot in September or October to prepare for the height of flu season. AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro can help you take this important preventive step.
Stay Healthy This Fall
Protect your family and community this fall by doing your part to curb the spread of the cold an flu viruses. In doing so, you can rest easy and enjoy your visit to OrencoFest, Hillsboro’s community harvest festival.
However, if you do start feeling under the weather, you do not have to wait for an appointment with your primary care provider. AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro is open 7 days a week and offers convenient care options when walk-ins are needed or when you need an appointment.
Schedule your appointment at AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro today!