| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Less common, <100°F or 38°C | Sudden onset >101°F or 38.5°C |
| Headache | Mild or absent | Prominent |
| Muscle aches | Mild or absent | Prominent |
| Fatigue, weakness | Mild or absent | Extreme |
| Runny nose, congestion, sneezing | Common | Less common |
| Cough | Less common | Common, dry hacking at onset and may last for several days |
| Eye symptoms | Watery eyes | Sensitivity to light, pain on motion, often red eyes |
| Diarrhea/vomiting | Rare | Rare, except in younger population up to 25% have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea |
| Sore throat | Often | Often |
What is The Flu?
The flu (or influenza) is a respiratory illness caused by airborne viruses, spread from person to person by droplets from coughing or sneezing. The incubation period is 1 - 4 days; the contagious period is 3 - 5 days from onset of symptoms.
If you are not sure what you have, see a nurse in Health Service.
How to Treat the Flu
- Treat the symptoms; acetaminophen every 4 - 6 hours to reduce fever and alleviate muscle aches.
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration and soothe sore throat.
- Increase the humidity in your room with a humidifier, if available, to loosen your cough.
Tips to Prevent The Flu
- Get the flu vaccine, especially if you have a chronic medical condition like, asthma or diabetes. The vaccine is available at Health Services in November and December.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your nose and eyes as much as possible.
- Avoid close, prolonged exposure to others who have cold or flu symptoms.
- Do not smoke.
- Get enough sleep, drink 4 - 8 glasses of water a day, eat a balanced diet and avoid stress as much as possible.
