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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
Do cold water help your get rid of your cold?
no you should actually use hot water for cough and gold
aleop=even better would be to drink hot milk and honey it really does help!
get lots of rest to recover fully also
What can you do for your puppy that has the flu?
It's rare for dogs to get sick like humans do, and when they are sick there is ussually a definant cause. For example if your dog eats chocalate. In this case your dog needs to be seen by a vet for a shot that will calm the stomach and take away the poison. Also dogs can get Parvo which will begin as a flu like symtom. It is best to take your dog to the vet if they have been sick for longer than 24 hours or appear to be violantly ill (in this case get them to the vet as soon as possible.)
What are some symptomes of swime flu?
Symptoms of the Flu Although each person and each type of influenza can have varying symptoms, the most common general symptoms are:
- sweating and fever (38-40C; 100-104F)
- general muscle aches and pains,
- a feeling of general tiredness,
- dry, chesty cough,
- sneezing,
- running or blocked nose, and
- difficulty sleeping.
- occasional nausea
For adults the following symptoms are indicative of more serious complications and you should seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- difficulty breathing,
- pain or pressure in chest or abdomen,
- sudden dizziness,
- confusion, and/or
- severe or persistent vomiting.
Babies and small children with flu can also have the following symptoms which should also be followed by a pediatrician or family doctor:
- lethargy (drowsy, unresponsive, limp or floppy),
- poor feeding,
- fast breathing or trouble breathing,
- bluish skin color,
- not drinking enough fluids,
- not waking or interacting,
- being so irritable that child does not want to be held,
- symptoms going away then the cough and fever return, only worse, and then fevers with rashes.
Additional related information:
Some of the secondary conditions related to the flu can include bacterial or viral pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections.
Complications from the flu can include dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes and/or worsening impacts from immuno-suppressed or immuno-stressed states such as pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, cancer chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy, and immuno-suppressing medications after organ transplants.
Seasonal influenza, often called "the flu", is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and occurs every year. Flu season in the northern hemisphere can begin as early as October and last as late as May. It also occurs in the cold part of the year in the southern hemisphere, which is during the summer time in the northern hemisphere.
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccination each year. September or October is the best time to get vaccinated in the Northern Hemisphere, but if you have not caught the flu by then, you can still get vaccinated effectively as late as March.
INfluenza usually appears in epidemic forman effects may people at once
What is the most common cold caused by?
A virus causes the common cold. There is no cure or prevention from the cold. The bad part of the cold is the body fighting the cold. When these happen that is what makes you feel so bad. You want to handle the symptoms when they get out of control.
To lessen your chance of catching the cold, wash your hands frequently, avoid contact with those that are carrying the cold virus and keep yourself healthy so the symptoms do not get out of control.
How many people in America die each year from contracting the flu?
Chris,Its not fair. I was totally tnikhing of writing this post over the last week I think the Linked in VS. Yahoo Answers question is an important one that should be fully developed:Linked in Advantages:a) Expert adviceb) Ability to connect for networking, affiliation, and perhaps sales.I think its fun when folks ask non-traditional questions related to life, faith, and culture just to spice up the conversation.Yahoo Answers Advantages:a) Offers some degree of advice but the quality and connection level are not comparable (9 vs. 7 level of quality)b) Ability to link build (drop your links as answers)c) Shows up higher in Google (which has advantages for the Answerer)Second Issue: Yahoo Answers Vs. Niche Forum Questions:I think that for Asking questions that niche forums (if you know the best game in town) especially in the social media, blogging, and seo space would generally have all the advantages of Yahoo Answers.Answering questions in Yahoo may work if your target audience is regular folks and you are outsourcing. Answering questions in niche forums may demonstrate your expertise to industry experts if you're looking to get hired. At the end of the day, its probably easier to impress those outside the industry, however.I hope all that makes sense I need to get some sleep.Cheers,Nathan
When you're sick why do you get a fever?
Fever is the condition in which your body temperature is higher than usual. In general, if your body temperature exceeds 37.6 degree celcius, you have a fever.
Sounds like an upper respiratory infection, rather like a cold. The yellow color of the phlegm indicates an infection. Depending on severity, you can try to treat at home, or see a doctor. If this is accompanied by a severe cough, anti-tussives may be called for. Check your body temperature. Regardless of other considerations, the closer you get to 101F taken orally or otically, the more reason to see a doctor. At 101F, go in any case.
So far, the "seasonal influenza" does seem to be worse than the swine flu. See also related questions below.
The Swine Flu is a new type of Influenza. "Flu" is just a shortened form of the word Influenza. The full name of the virus that causes what has been called the 2009 Swine Flu is Influenza Type A, Novel H1N1 Virus (A-H1N1/09).
Other strains of flu circulate each year and are referred to as the "seasonal flu". (Some people call it the "regular flu"). For some reason, each year there are usually one or more predominate strains of influenza that are spreading across the globe . It is not fully understood why there is a "flu season" like this, it is probably related to temperatures and humidity levels that are more conducive to viral replication. Each year in the US and Northern Hemisphere starting in the late fall and continuing through winter and into early spring, the flu season occurs and the "seasonal influenza" virus spreads. In the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs at the opposite time of year. Hotter weather seems to help cause the flu to fade out; but flu is not exclusive to the cooler time of year, however is the most prominent during the cold seasons.
Comparison between mortality rates of swine flu and seasonal flu in the US:Swine Flu:
3 March 2010 -- As of 12 February 2010, According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated* that since the beginning of the pandemic, the US has had approximately 57 million cases of A-H1N1/09 Pandemic Swine Flu and approximately 11,690 resulting deaths. Based upon this, an estimate of the mortality rate in the US from the pandemic is 0.02%.
Seasonal Flu:
In comparison, the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) have estimated that with seasonal flu, "we see over 30 million cases in the United States. We see 200,000 hospitalizations and, on average, 36,000 deaths." (During the entire fall and winter flu season.) Based upon this, the average mortality rate of seasonal flu in the US would be 0.12 %.
*The CDC stopped keeping track a long time ago of how many cases of H1N1 there were on an ongoing basis, due to incomplete counts in the reports. Most cases that are not complicated or requiring medical care aren't reported to the health departments and, of those, only a small number have had confirmation by laboratory testing. However, deaths from this infection have been being reported better and more have been confirmed, those numbers are more accurate. The CDC has developed a method of estimation of total counts based on the numbers of reported cases and deaths.
The demographics of the people who catch the different types of flu does vary somewhat with fewer people in the "elderly" age group (over 65) contracting the Novel H1N1.
Are flu pills bad when your pregnant?
See also the related question below for the current recommendations from
the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
My doctor actually recommended I get the flu shot while I was pregnant. I did and everything is still going fine.
Here in UK pregnant women are not on the list of people who should receive flu shots, but I was asked this question (I am a midwife) and did some research and in US pregnant women are up there with the elderly, people with heart/lung disease and diabetics as people who should have flu shots.
I have copied this over from the CDC website:
"Is it safe for pregnant women to receive an influenza vaccine that contains thimerosal? Yes. A study of influenza vaccination examining over 2,000 pregnant women demonstrated no adverse fetal effects associated with influenza vaccine. Case reports and limited studies indicate that pregnancy can increase the risk for serious medical complications of influenza. One study found that out of every 10,000 women in their third trimester of pregnancy during an average flu season, 25 will be hospitalized for flu related complications.
The trace amounts of mercury from the thimerosal in vaccinations (a preservative) are about the same amount as you would get from a single meal of fish.
The following excerpts from a September 3, 2009 guidance document from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are about the H1N1/09 Influenza Vaccine and Pregnant Women:
Influenza vaccines have not been shown to cause harm to a pregnant woman or her baby. The seasonal flu shot (injection) is proven as safe and already recommended for pregnant women. The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine will be made using the same processes and facilities that are used to make seasonal influenza vaccines.
It is important for a pregnant woman to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine as well as a seasonal influenza vaccine. A pregnant woman who gets any type of flu is at risk for serious complications and hospitalization. Pregnant women who are otherwise healthy have been severely impacted by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (formerly called "novel H1N1 flu" or "swine flu"). In comparison to the general population, a greater proportion of pregnant women infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have been hospitalized. In addition, severe illness and death has occurred in pregnant women. Six percent of confirmed fatal 2009 H1N1 flu cases thus far have been in pregnant women while only about 1% of the general population is pregnant. While hand washing, staying away from ill people, and other steps can help to protect pregnant women from influenza, vaccination is the single best way to protect against the flu.
There are two types of flu vaccine. Pregnant women should get the "flu shot"- an inactivated vaccine (containing fragments of killed influenza virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in pregnant women. The other type of flu vaccine - nasal-spray flu vaccine (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine)-is not currently approved for use in pregnant women. This vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant. In addition to protecting her from infection, infants less than 6 months old will not be able to be vaccinated so it is recommended that everyone who lives with or provides care for infants less than 6 months of age receive both the seasonal influenza vaccine and 2009 H1N1 influenza monovalent vaccine to provide protection for the infant.
One recent study conducted in Bangladesh, assessed the effectiveness of influenza immunization for mothers and their young infants. Inactivated influenza vaccine reduced proven influenza illness by 63% in infants up to 6 months of age. This study confirmed that maternal influenza immunization is a strategy with substantial benefits for both mothers and infants. There is no evidence that thimerosal (used as a preservative in vaccine packaged in multi-dose vials) is harmful to a pregnant woman or a fetus. However, because some women are concerned about exposure to preservatives during pregnancy, manufacturers will produce preservative-free seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines in single dose syringes for pregnant women and small children. CDC recommends that pregnant women may receive influenza vaccine with or without thimerosal. People for whom the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is recommended should receive it, even if they have had an influenza-like illness previously, unless they can be certain they had 2009 H1N1 influenza based on a laboratory test that can specifically detect 2009 H1N1 viruses. CDC recommends that persons who were tested for 2009 H1N1 influenza discuss this issue with a healthcare provider to see if the test they had was either an RT-PCR or a viral culture that showed 2009 H1N1 influenza. There is no harm in being vaccinated if you had 2009 H1N1 influenza in the past.
Pregnant women are encouraged to get vaccinated against the seasonal strains of influenza in addition to the A-H1N1/09 vaccine. That vaccine for seasonal flu is already distributed and available for use. The two kinds of vaccine (seasonal flu and "Swine Flu") must both be taken for complete protection from both kinds of flu in the upcoming flu season.
Always check with your obstetrician before taking any medications in pregnancy. Your doctor may also be planning on administering the vaccines to patients.
Note about H1N1 vaccines approved for use in the UK:
These vaccines are slightly different from the vaccines approved for use in the US for A-H1N1/09, but are still recommended by the NHS for pregnant women. The difference is mostly that they contain adjuvants in the UK. See the related question below about swine flu shot ingredients.
How many people are affected in the virus called Swine Flu?
Adults aged 18-40 and those with compromised immune systems.
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) press briefing on Monday, May 4, 2009, the median age of confirmed cases is 16 years with a range of 3 months to 81 years. There are 35 known hospitalizations in the United States with the one reported death. 62% of the confirmed cases are under 18 years of age. "
The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) are working to evaluate the reasons for what seems to be a healthier group of younger people contracting the 2009 Swine Flu. It is unknown at present what accounts for this. It could be that the data is not accurate, the data is skewed perhaps by unreported cases among people with milder symptoms, or other not yet fully evaluated variables. The CDC is giving daily press briefings and these questions will be answered as soon as enough data is compiled to make meaningful assumptions or conclusions.
See the related links section for links to the CDC, WHO, and other helpful web sites.
Why can antibiotics treat flu-like symptoms caused by bacteria but are ineffective against flu?
Because the way antibiotics treat those symptoms is by killing the bacteria that cause them. If the symptoms are caused by viruses, then antibiotics can't help since they are not made to be able to "kill" viruses, just bacteria.
Flu viruses are not really living organisms like bacteria are. So viruses must be inactivated rather than killed. Antibiotics can neither kill nor inactivate viruses. They are created to be used to kill only specific bacteria, they do not kill every kind of bacteria, either. That is why there are so many different kinds of antibiotics.
Antibiotics can treat flu-like symptoms caused by some bacteria, because the right antibiotics can kill bacteria. So although flu like symptoms are similar to those of the flu, they are caused by different microbes so are not cured in the same way.
What countries have people gotten sick from H1N1?
People can have the swine flu virus on them, but don't realize it until it's too late and they go to different countries, so that's how its spread. See the related question below about how swine flu spreads.
Why are antibiotics not prescribed for viral diseases such as common cold?
Antibiotics only kill bacteria, they cannot be used effectively to treat a flu virus infection. Antibiotics don't affect viruses.
Sometimes people with the flu develop secondary bacterial infections and then antibiotics may be given to treat or prevent this complication.
When is it safe to be around people if you have a viral infection?
This depends on the type of viral infection and how long it is contagious. It is best to be on the safe side and try to stay away until your health care professional says that the person is no longer contagious.
If the virus is a flu virus, then the CDC recommends that you should stay isolated from others until you have gone 24 hours straight without a fever when not taking fever-reducing medicines. Use a thermometer to measure your temperature frequently during that period and if you have a fever again, then wait another 24 hours.
well, if the nausea hasn't gone away after 3 days and it is in predictable times such as early in the morning and late afternoon, you are probably pregnant. Check for other symptoms too, such as sore breasts, tender tummy and any hormone fluctuations. If you end up having your period, you aren't pregnant. make sure to stay healthy though, especially if you are trying to have a child!
Can you get a flu from a flu shot?
Yes, it is possible to have side effects from an influenza vaccine. The most common side effects are: * Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given * Fever (low grade) * Aches For more serious side effects, or if you think you are having an allergic reaction, please notify your doctor immediately. It is also important to note that many people shouldn't receive the vaccine without first consulting their physician: * People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs. * People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination. * People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine. * Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and * People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.) For additional information, please look at the FAQ on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm
If you get a vaccination shot will you die from the flu or swine flu?
I got the shot yesterday. I'm not dead. Sure, there havebeen cases where that has happened, but so few that you're more at risk not getting the shot.
Will you die from getting the regular flu shot? Same risk.
Come on.
Get the swine flu shot.
Seriously. Now. Go.
Can you catch a different cold if you already have a cold?
Nope, if you got sick already with a previous cold, the only thing you'll catch is a more severe cold if you still stay out in the cold.
Was the flu shot for 2010-2011 flu season also for the H1N1 virus?
Yes , one strain of H1N1 influenza is included in the 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine in the US, but not all of them are. The H1N1 Pandemic "Swine" Flu from 2009 is the strain that will be included.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
The flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. This year's influenza vaccine contains three new influenza virus strains.
They are:
- A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus (the same strain as was used for 2009 H1N1 monovalent vaccines);
- A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus;
- B/Brisbane 60/2008-like antigens.
The 2010-11 influenza vaccine can protect you from getting sick from these three viruses, or it can make your illness milder if you get a related but different influenza virus strain.
See the related links below for more information about the effectiveness of flu vaccine.
How do you cure a cold in 2 hours?
Well...curing a cold in 2 hours is pretty hard, but your best chance is to have a nap and drink some orange juice for vitamin C.
Why do you honk when you blow your nose?
It could be because some people have sinus issues. It is common. When we have a cold as well, sinus pressure makes us think we have a stuffy nose, when we really don't. So when we blow our nose it blocks up and creates a dry and almost honking sound.
