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Cold and Flu
Questions and answers about the "Common Cold"; symptoms in the upper respiratory tract like sneezing, scratchy throat, and runny nose, but adults don't typically have fevers. Colds are usually caused by the rhinovirus (up to 40% of colds), or Coronaviruses (about 20%), but there are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. Also questions about the seasonal flu, also called "regular flu", caused mostly by Type A and Type B Influenza viruses. Flu starts with similar symptoms as a cold only it hits faster and harder and usually includes fever in adults. Although the "stomach flu" is a common term, it is not a real diagnosis. The proper medical term for stomach flu is gastroenteritis (an intestinal disease, sometimes viral but also bacterial), it is often mistaken for influenza because the flu can sometimes include vomiting and diarrhea.
4,331 Questions
What should you do if your two year old has been exposed to Swine Flu?
Contact your Pediatrician to find out if taking Tamiflu (antiviral medicine) as a preventive measure would be appropriate. Tell them when and how she was exposed to the virus. Tamiflu can be given to children over one year old.
Contact your doctor to ask if you and other members of the household should also take precautionary antiviral medicine, especially if you have any family at high risk of complications from A-H1N1/09 "Swine Flu" [see related questions below]. Or if you should wait until/if she develops symptoms.
Monitor her closely for symptoms [see related question below], checking temperature regularly. Give plenty of fluids. Do not give aspirin as a fever reducer, use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other non-aspirin fever reducer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "in children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash "
Take all precautions and inform all family members how to avoid catching the flu [see related question]. When you must be in close contact, especially if she is coughing and sneezing frequently, consider wearing an approved face mask (N95).
If she develops symptoms, high risk family members may need to go somewhere else while she is ill to avoid exposure. They should not provide her care and should try to stay in areas where she is not frequenting.
Use a disinfectant that includes influenza viruses on its label of pathogens on which it is effective. Follow label directions and use this disinfectant regularly around the house on things she touches and things the rest of the family frequently touch, such as table tops, door knobs, chairs, toys, etc. Teach them proper hand washing, and monitor that everyone is abiding by the guidelines with proper hygiene.
Protect yourself and other members of the family, if you must be in close contact such as during bathing, snuggling, or feeding, where she may cough or sneeze on you, you might want to wear a surgical mask (N95). Wash her hands often as well as yours and other members of the family.
Be familiar with all the potential symptoms, if she does develop symptoms, watch for signs of conditions that require immediate or emergency attention [see related questions below]. Monitor her temperature regularly. Do not give aspirin for fever, use another fever reducer, such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Provide plenty of liquids.
If you have a tight chest and cough is likely that you have H1N1 or is it a just a common cold?
well it can be like any other cough when u have a fever you may cough but you can tell your Doctor to run some test they will swab your mouth and run test it happen to me to but they told me i didn't had h1n1(thank goodness)
How many confirmed cases of Swine Flu have there been in McHenry County Illinois?
There are no statistics from either the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or from the McHenry County health statistics web page about the number of cases specific to that county. The IDPH site does have a map that shows McHenry County among the counties that have had have cases of swine flu confirmed, and it is shown among the counties that did not have associated deaths.
The total cumulative count of confirmed cases in Illinois is 405 as of August 28, 2009 with 17 deaths state wide.
Can you get a chill on the kidneys through being cold?
Type your answer here... pain in the lower back, weak legs (can be shaky) feeling nauseous, joint pain feeling like you are harboring a cold, general fatigue, best thing for it is ginseng tea or for a more biomedical pharmacological approach-antibiotics
Best recommended cough drop for children?
Common cold followed by dry cough in children are usually the mild and random cases, caused by bacterial or viral infection. If your child is under 4 years donot give OTC medicines before consulting your paediatrician. In most cases nurofen pain relievers are good for them. You will also find many other cough suppressants like dextromethorphan, decongestants like pseudoephedrine.
What age should not get a flu vaccine?
Flu vaccination with a "dead"/inactivated vaccine is contraindicated in children younger than six months old due to their immature immune systems. People caring for these infants should receive an injection with the "dead" virus to vaccinate them and prevent their exposing the baby to the virus if they are infected.
The nasal mist vaccines that contain attenuated (weakened) live viruses are contraindicated in children under 2 years old.
See the related question below about others who should not receive a flu vaccination.
There is no cure for the common cold, so people are left to suffer with a cold until it goes away. Even though there may not be a cure for the cause of the common cold, there are still measures you can take to make your cold go away faster. A cold can drain your energy and make doing anything difficult. If you invest some time into getting rid of a cold, then you can reduce your symptoms and get on with your day
How do you get the flu when you already got a flu shot?
There are many different types of flu and the seasonal flu shot only prevents three of the most likely to be circulating flu viruses. So if you happened to get exposed to a type of flu that wasn't in the vaccination, then you could get sick from it.
Another reason might be that you caught the flu before you got the flu shot and so there was not time for the shot to work before you got sick.
Another reason might be that you got the shot and then were exposed to the flu before your immune system could give you immunity from the vaccination. It takes around two weeks after getting the vaccination for an adult to have full immunity from it. For children under 10, a series of two vaccinations are needed given approximately a month apart, then it takes another few weeks before the body has developed the full immunity, so exposure during any of those time frames before full immunity can cause illness in those children.
What is the rattle in your chest when you cough?
You should really go to the doctor it could be neumona I would go get that checked out
Can the flu shot help deter the croup?
Avoiding exposure to others with respiratory infections is the best way to avoid getting croup. Children should be taught to maintain good hygiene practices
Can you tell if you had been exposed to flu after it passes?
You will know if you have the flu by it's icky symptoms including cough and fever. If you are trying to find out if you had the seasonal flu or swine flu the only way to find out is thru lab tests. These need to be done while you are showing symptoms, but Im sure if you insisted and had the money to spend you could have lab tests run to see if you now have antibodies to the swine flu.
Is being outside in the sun bad for you when you have a cold?
The most important treatments for a cold (due to a virus) is plenty of rest, a lot of fluids, and a well balanced diet. As a mother and a doctor, stay home with your child, make a schedule you stick to that includes the following, 9-10 hours of sleep overnight, a breakfast with eggs, fruit, toast and a multivitamin, downtime several times a day where it's ok to lay snuggled up on the couch with a movie, or a nap if possible, as many sugar-free Popsicles as they want (it will feel like Disneyland for them), a lunch with veggies and protein (peanutbutter sandwich with peanut butter in celery or apples dipped in peanut butter and carrots and ranch, etc), a couple active play times of 30-45 minutes is fine, outside during active playtime is fine. It's important to not expose other children to the virus that is affecting your child, so teach your child to wash hands and cover mouth when coughing or sneezing. Only time, nutrition, lots of fluids, and lots of rest will help your body get rid of a virus.
Will bleach kill the H1N1 flu virus?
Yes. According to the CDC:
With household bleach, use a 1 part bleach:10 parts water for non-porous surfaces (tabletops, door knobs), 1 part bleach:100 parts water for porous surfaces.
Lysol or any other disinfectant will work so long as it says something like "Kills Influenza A virus"
How would travel restrictions slow down flu pandemic?
In a flu pandemic, an influenza virus is spreading rapidly and broadly. When termed a pandemic instead of epidemic, the flu has already spread across very large areas of countries and continents and will continue to do so as people cross from an area with infected people to an area not yet infected.
When traveling, you are usually in crowded places touching public facilities and carrying the virus to infect more people. The flu pandemic is spread through direct human to human contact or with coughs and sneezes or by touching things people who have the flu have touched relatively soon after they did.
The virus can be still "alive" on surfaces like chairs in public places or seats in the different modes of transportation for around two hours. If people are traveling with the flu, they are passing it to all the people they come in contact with and the public areas they utilize. They will spread the disease farther and farther.
You can be spreading the flu to people before you even know you have it, (one or two days before you have any symptoms). So sometimes restricting all travel would prevent someone with the flu from going to where the flu has not yet reached and taking it there perhaps even unknowingly.
An example:
If one person in 1000 in a particular country had swine flu and 66,000 people from that country traveled to other countries, then on average 66 of those travelers could be spreading swine flu to the other countries as they travel. If restrictions in non-essential travel meant that only 2000 people would travel, then, on average, only 2 of these people would be spreading the infection, so the rate of infection spread would obviously be significantly slower.
Can a person catch swine flu from dead person cause of the virus?
Swine flu being a virus, it requires living cells to infect and reproduce within. Unless the body is freshly deceased (in which case some cells can still be functioning, despite the body as a whole having ceased so), then it cannot infect the dead.
On the Lighter Side:
No. They can't run fast enough.
Why do some cancer medications sometimes weaken the immune system of cancer patients?
The radiation kills bone marrow, where both red and white blood cells are made. The white blood cells produce most of the immune system, with fewer white blood cells the immune system weakens.
The flu is very dangerous and causes many complications to people who's in flu.The 2 hours flu can exist in our life but it's rare. Please visit: The diet and health information : http://letdiet.blogspot.com for further information.
What statement best explains why a person shivers when he or she is cold?
Shivering is the first signs because your muscles are contracting and expanding to make heat, because the more your muscles move the warmer your body temperature will be.
Symptoms of H1N1/09 (Pandemic swine flu):
Having a single one of these symptoms does not mean you have pandemic swine flu, but, you don't need to have all of these symptoms to suspect infection, either. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza. Watch for some combination of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 101°F (41°C) or higher
- Coughing
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Body Aches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Malaise
- Runny Nose
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rigors (chills or shivers)
Caution: If you suspect that you might have a flu infection, consult a physician as soon as possible. Don't wait!
It is important for people who have chronic health conditions, women who are pregnant, and people with other high risk factors to pay special attention to warning signs. Influenza can make the symptoms, of other chronic medical conditions, worse
For Children: who may need urgent medical attention, symptoms include:
- fast breathing or trouble breathing;
- blueish or gray skin color;
- not drinking enough fluids;
- severe, persistent vomiting;
- not waking up or not interacting;
- being so irritable that the child doesn't want to be held;
- flu-like symptoms, after improving, return later with greater intensity.
These are warning signs that physicians think about all the time with respiratory infections and are good things for parents to have in mind at all times but especially with the Novel H1N1 strain.
For Adults: who may need urgent medical attention, symptoms include:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
- pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen;
- sudden dizziness, confusion;
- persistent or severe vomiting that doesn't go away;
- and flu-like symptoms that improve, but then come back again with a fever or worsening of cough.
Other underlying medical conditions* can create the potential for more severe illness, and it is for that reason that people who have these underlying conditions, or the family members who care for such people, need to remain vigilant about these warning signs emerging. For a list of the those at most risk of the swine flu and of complications due to it, see below.
It's often best to contact a health care provider for advice before going to an office or care center and waiting for an appointment. That's also a better strategy than going to an emergency room, but these warning signs can help people differentiate a cough or cold or respiratory symptoms without warning signs, from the type of signs that might lead you to want to get help from a medical provider urgently.
To prevent catching swine flu, colds or other strains of flu and viruses:
If you live with or care for someone known to have the swine flu virus, you should assume that you, too, can spread the disease. Wear a surgical face mask (model N95) while contacting and tending to someone with a virus, especially children, in case they cough or sneeze when you are close to them. Wash hands always before you touch your face, nose, eyes and mouth and before (as well as after) you touch other people's faces, mucous tissue. You should also wash your hands after you cough or sneeze and always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose. Immediately throw the tissue away after one use. Wash your hands after touching used tissues. Cough into your elbow if you do not have a tissue. Don't use your bare hand unless you wash hands immediately after and before you touch anything or anyone.
To prevent spreading swine flu, colds or other strains of flu and viruses:
Even if you do not yet have symptoms, you can have the virus and spread it before you know you have it for one or two days after catching the flu. When you know you have been exposed, or when you know the risk is high for catching it, wash hands very frequently.
Stay home from work or errands when sick, and keep your kids home if they or others in your family have any symptoms. The schools will recommend if it is safe for your children to attend school if there are other children from the school infected. Be prepared with day care alternatives if the schools announce a closure. Flu virus can live for approximately two hours on hard surfaces, perhaps longer on moist or soft materials. Use disinfectants recommended for control of viruses on surfaces that are commonly touched, such as telephones, door knobs, light switches, TV remote controllers, chair arms, public pens and pencils (take your own), and grocery cart handles, as well as the lavatory knobs, handles, and surfaces.
Remember:
- Wash hands very frequently and be alert to what you touch with them.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and or coughing.
- Stay away from large groups of people and around 6.
- Don't touch your eyes nose or mouth without washing hands first.
- Stay home when sick so other people don't get it.
For additional information on preventing exposure to and distribution of the flu viruses, see the related questions below.
*Underlying Medical Conditions or Other Factors That Create Higher Risk:
- children younger than 5 years old;
- persons aged 65 years or older;
- children and adolescents (younger than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infections;
- pregnant women;
- adults and children who have pulmonary disorders (including asthma, for example) or who have cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (such as diabetes);
- adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications like steroids and post-transplant drugs, or caused by HIV/AIDS), and;
- residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
- people who are morbidly obese (see related question: Is obesity a risk factor for morbidity and mortality with Novel H1N1 - Swine Flu?)
Information for those in the UK, from NHS:
A doctor faced with a symptomatic patient cannot yet predict with certainty the course of their illness and whether or not they will be in the small proportion who may become more seriously ill. This is why antiviral medication is still being given to all those with swine flu in the UK, subject to their doctor's discretion. A doctor faced with a symptomatic patient cannot yet predict with certainty the course of their illness and whether or not they will be in the small proportion who may become more seriously ill. This is why antiviral medication is still being given to all those with swine flu in the UK, subject to their doctor's discretion.
More information taken from the NHS website:
It is important that as swine flu spreads, you know the symptoms of the disease so you can recognise it in yourself and others at an early stage.
Please read the information about the swine flu on the NHS website and consider your symptoms carefully before using the National Pandemic Flu Service mentioned below.
During the pandemic in 2009, most swine flu cases were mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Only a small number of people had more serious symptoms.
If you or members of your family end up with a fever (high temperature over 38°C/100.4°F) along with two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:
- unusual tiredness,
- headache,
- runny nose,
- sore throat,
- shortness of breath or cough,
- loss of appetite,
- aching muscles,
- diarrhoea or vomiting.
Checking For Symptoms:
It makes sense to always have a working thermometer at home, as fever is one of the main signs of this and many other infectious diseases.
The NHS website provides a National Pandemic Flu Service#. If you are concerned you may have swine flu, stay at home and check your symptoms using the online guides at the pandemic flu service.
Call your GP directly if:
- you have a serious existing illness that weakens your immune system, such as cancer,
- you are pregnant,
- you have a sick child under one year old,
- your condition suddenly gets much worse, or
- your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five days for a child).
# Note: the National Pandemic Flu Service is a new online service that will assess your symptoms and, if needed, provide an authorisation number that can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point. For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed by telephone on:
- Telephone: 0800 151 3100
- Minicom: 0800 151 3200
For more information available on the National Pandemic Flu Service site go to Flu Service: Q&A.
High-risk groups:
For most people, swine flu is a mild illness. Some people get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter flu medication.
However, some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu, and will need to start taking antiviral medication as soon as it is confirmed that they have the flu.
It is already known that you are particularly at risk if you have:
- chronic (long-term) lung disease,
- chronic heart disease,
- chronic kidney disease,
- chronic liver disease,
- chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease),
- immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)and/or
- diabetes mellitus.
Also at risk are:
- patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years,
- pregnant women,
- people aged 65 and older, and
- young children under five years old.
It is vital that people in these higher-risk groups who catch swine flu get antivirals and start taking them as soon as possible, preferrably within 48 hrs of first signs.
When do you have to give a horse flu and tetanus jabs?
Once a year is fine. Horses that travel to large horse shows may need a booster just to be safe. Or if he is injured with an open wound an additional tetanus wouldn't hurt.
Is common cold a symptom of dengue?
No, the common cold is not a symptom of dengue. Typical symptoms of dengue include a fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and a pain behind the eyes.
How did the virus H1N1 mutate from Swine Flu?
H1N1 started in Mexcico after children have been around pigs or as it's called 'swine'. The "Swine Flu" might seem like a serious issue but if you get a vacination I'm sure you will be okay. Just visit the doctor and ask for the H1N1 shot and there you go; you got the shots.
What initially causes the flu?
Influenza is caused by a virus infecting the body. The family of RNA viruses that causes influenza in humans is named Orthomyxoviridae.
Flu most often spreads when someone with the flu touches items or people with their unwashed hands. It also is frequently spread through uncovered coughs or sneezes. This allows the respiratory droplets that are projected from the cough/sneeze to contaminate people, things, or surfaces in an approximate area of a 6 foot diameter surrounding the infected person. Always covering your coughs and sneezes helps to contain the spread of the droplets and disease.
Because people with the flu are contagious a day or two before even symptoms appear, they may not be aware of the infection while spreading it. Most healthy adults can fight off influenza in three to seven days, during which time they are capable of transmitting the virus to others. Children can be contagious for up to 10 days or even more. The rule of thumb from the CDC is that you are considered contagious until you go a full 24 hours without a fever (when not taking fever reducing medicines).
You can get the flu particles on your hands and introduced into your body when you touch an item or surface like a telephone, pen or pencil, keyboard, desktop, table or doorknob that has been contaminated. If you then touch your own face, nose, eyes, or mouth, or those of another person, you can move the virus to mucous tissue where it can enter the body to cause infection.
Breathing the air near a person sneezing or coughing may also transmit the virus to you in respiratory droplets you breathe in. The heavier than air droplets usually fall to the ground or surfaces within a six foot diameter, so maintaining that distance from anyone with known influenza or those whose health status you do not know is one way to help avoid catching the virus or their other "germs". Avoid direct physical contact with them like hugging and kissing as well and don't share drinking or eating utensils. See also the related questions below for more information.
