Fall is almost here, and summer outings will be replaced with football games and outdoor weekends with family and friends at Mount Tabor Park, Forest Park, or another of NE Portland’s surrounding parks. Unfortunately, fall also signals the return of cold and flu season.
Knowing how these illnesses differ, recognizing their symptoms, and taking a few preventive steps can help you prepare for the fall season ahead. It is also important to know when symptoms may require medical attention from your local AFC Urgent Care of NE Portland.
Why Are the Cold and Flu Viruses Common in the Fall?
Both the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses that can easily spread from one person to another. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets travel through the air and land on nearby surfaces. You may become sick by breathing in these 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. every year. Flu activity also rises during the fall and winter, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating 9 to 51 millions of flu illnesses nationwide each year.
Understanding the Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system, including the nose and throat. More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, with rhinoviruses being among the most common.
Adults typically get 2 to 3 colds each year, and cases are most common between September and May. Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 days after exposure and can include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sinus congestion
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chest congestion
- Little or no fever, as fevers are less common with colds
There is no vaccine or cure for the common cold, but most people recover on their own within 7 to 10 days. Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms while your immune system fights the infection.
If your symptoms are getting worse or are not improving, visit AFC Urgent Care NE Portland. Our medical team can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether additional treatment may be needed.
The Flu: More Than a Typical Cold
Influenza, also called the flu, is also a contagious respiratory illness, but its symptoms are often more severe than a common cold. In some cases, the flu can lead to serious complications and may even require hospitalization.
One of the biggest differences is how quickly symptoms can develop. While cold symptoms often appear gradually, the flu can come on suddenly. You may feel relatively okay one moment and significantly ill just a short time later.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in children
Flu symptoms may last for several days, while tiredness and fatigue can continue for weeks after other symptoms begin to improve. You can also spread the virus before you realize you are sick, according to the American Lung Association.
What Should I Do If I Have Flu Symptoms?
If you develop flu symptoms, stay home, get plenty of rest, and drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. Once your fever has gone down, continue avoiding close contact with others for at least 24 hours, particularly infants, older adults, and others who may be at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill.
Give your body time to recover by eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and avoiding strenuous activity until you begin feeling significantly better.
Schedule an appointment or walk-in to AFC Urgent Care NE Portland if you have a high fever that will not go down, cannot keep fluids down, or have symptoms lasting longer than 3 days. Our medical team can evaluate your condition, discuss a treatment plan, and offer recommendations to support your recovery.
Everyday Habits That Can Help Prevent Illness
You cannot completely eliminate your chances of catching a cold or the flu, but practicing healthy habits can help lower your risk. Try adding these simple steps to your daily routine this fall:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based 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 crowded settings when possible.
- Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and shared spaces.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing by using a tissue or coughing into your elbow. Dispose of used tissues right away.
Schedule Your Annual Flu Shot
Unlike the common cold, the flu has an additional form of protection you can take: the annual flu vaccine.
Because flu viruses change each season, the flu vaccine is updated annually to provide protection against the strains expected to circulate during the upcoming season. Getting vaccinated can reduce your chances of getting sick and may also help lower your risk of serious complications or hospitalization if you do become infected.
At AFC Urgent Care NE Portland, we encourage everyone who is eligible to receive their annual flu vaccine. Flu vaccine protection generally lasts for around six months, making September and October ideal times to schedule your flu shot. Keep in mind that it can take up to two weeks for your immune system to build protective antibodies after vaccination.
Enjoy Fall While Staying Prepared
Cold and flu season does not have to keep you from enjoying everything fall has to offer. Taking a few proactive steps now, including washing your hands regularly, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and getting your annual flu vaccine, can help you head into the season more prepared.
And if you do start feeling under the weather, you do not have to manage your symptoms alone. AFC Urgent Care NE Portland is here to provide convenient care for cold and flu symptoms, helping you get the treatment and guidance you need to start feeling better.
Schedule your AFC Urgent Care NE Portland appointment today!