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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
Can you get the flu from being in the cold?
Yes, it is possible but infrequent in otherwise healthy people. Usually the body is infected with only one virus at a time. But, unless you are immune to that particular virus, it is possible to become infected at any time, regardless of whether you are already sick.
The immune system produces various antibodies, so if you are sick with a cold your immune system has already started producing more antibodies, some of which indiscriminately attack all foreign invaders. This is probably why, once you are sick with a cold, you are less likely to get the flu or anything else at the same time since the immune system has already been alerted and is working hard. However, it is not impossible, it has happened. You will know if you get both. Cold symptoms will pale in comparison to the flu and the flu will come on abruptly. What felt like just congestion and a runny nose will turn into a pounding headache, cold sweats, muscle aches and possible nausea. Moreover, the flu symptoms will probably end before the cold does.
How do you catch a cold without touching anyone WITH a cold?
You do something that brings down your immunesystem and your body ends up receptive to allsorts.
What is attenuated flu vaccine?
Attenuated simply means "weakened". An attenuated flu vaccine refers to vaccines made with live viruses (so you get a good immune response), but they have been weakened chemically so that they are unable to give you the flu.
There are two types of flu vaccines available in the US. What is called inactivated, inactive or "dead" vaccine and what is called "live", weakened/attenuated vaccine. The injectable vaccines (intradermal and intramuscular) are made with "dead" viruses and the nasal spray is made with "live" attenuated viruses.
How many people has already die from swine flu in the United stated?
There are two confirmed deaths. One was a child visiting a Texas family from Mexico. The other was a 33 year old female, whom recently went through childbirth.
Why the doctors put thermometre under the tongue at the time of fever?
There are a few different types of thermometers and a few different ways body temperature can be taken: - A tympanic thermometer measures the body temperature by taking a reading from the tympanic membrane in the ear. - The old mercury thermometers aren't used anymore, the risk of them breaking is too high. - Digital thermometers are about 15cm long and can measure oral, axillary or rectal temperature. They have plastic coverings to go over the top.
Even though it is rarely used (except in paediatrics), for obvious reasons, the rectal method of measuring body temperature is the most accurate.
It's difficult to tell and you should be checked out by a doctor. If you are on any type of medications please look it up on the internet to find out what the side effects are. Some medications can cause dry mouth, dizzyness, weakness, shakiness, upset tummy, etc. If you still have your periods it's highly doubtful you are pregnant. Please see your doctor. You could have other problems such as thryoid problems or simply the flu.
What happens if you cough and your head hurts?
It shouldn't.
If it's a bad headache - a painful, incapacitating one, then you should call an ambulance. You could be having an aneurysm.
No, seriously. Call 911.
Okay don't call 911 yet this guy is right but thts worst case scenario. If you've been coughing for about a day you'll probably develop a headache.
Is type A Influenza the same as H1N1 Swine Flu?
Swine Flu (and other H1N1 flu viruses) is a Type A influenza, but all Type A influenza viruses are not swine flu, or other H1N1 viruses. Swine flu is just one of many subtypes of Type A influenza. Swine Flu is caused by the Type A H1N1/09 Virus.
Is H1N1 influenza infectious or non-infectious?
Influenza is a highly infectious disease, even when the patient is recovering (unlike many other Infectious Diseases which quit being infectious when the patient begins to recover).
Is prednisone used for long bouts of cold or flu?
Not usually, however sometimes steroids like prednisone are given when other treatment is not working and inflammation is adding to the problem with the infection. This happens more often with bacterial infections than viral infections like the flu, however, for those hospitalized with serious cases and complications of swine flu, IV steroids were often prescribed. They are also used when there is poor response to treatment of secondary bacterial infections in those with current or recent flu infections. It would be unlikely to be used in mild cases of flu or in infections like the common cold.
i agree 100% with this comment i have done some research and some test im not a doctor or a scientist but i have discovered that pot smoke does not stay in your lungs like cigg smoke would cuz weed dosent not have any of that man made crap in it for the most part weed is all natural unless someone puts stuff in that that should be there and weed does not have tar in it the resin is like that but i belive that weed some does not stick to your mucus cells or mucus membrans in your lungs the way cig smoke does that's why you cough it out
the black flem is normal for chronic smoker mainly, marijuana. its actually a good thing unlike cigarettes the black flem is coughed out of the lungs instead of kept inside where they do the most damage.
What causes headache with the flu?
Yes, often it is. It can also be a signal of dehydration that often comes with fever and flu, so if you have a headache with or without other symptoms, a good thing to do is drink a glass of water and it may completely go away. See more in the related questions below.
When you have the stomach flu how do you avoid puking?
Well, I don't think there is any specific way to stop throwing up if you're sick. But, whenever I'm sick I always eat soup and drink Gatorade and water. Even if you don't keep it down, you will get some nutrition in you, which will help you recover more quickly. You can also try taking Pepto- Bismo.
Do onions help fight off colds and flu?
Onion and garlic have natural antibiotic agents. So they can help your immune system fight bacteria and viruses. Onions and garlic have more nutritional value when they are mildly cooked than raw.
Of course onions and garlic should be included as part of your remedy along with other things but you should contact a doctor if you are sick for more than 10 days.
For more information, see the related links section below.
Different vaccines have different risks. No medication is 100% without risk, and vaccines are included in that. However, there is always ongoing vaccination monitoring for problems and they would be removed from the market if there were proven adverse effects in more than a fraction of people vaccinated. The FDA has approved for use any that are used in the US and they evaluate all trials and studies for safety and effectiveness before approval. If vaccinations are recommended by your physician, who has already weighed the benefits vs the risks before recommending them, the vaccines are going to be safer than the disease will be if you get it because you did not get the vaccine.
For the flu vaccines in particular:
There is discussion of concerns about flu vaccinations online at various sources. One of those concerns is about traces of mercury that are in flu vaccines from the preservative used in the vaccines called thimerosal.
There is no scientific data to support the concerns that some have voiced about the preservative thimerosal. There is no direct cause and effect data from scientific studies that link autism or other health problems to the thimerosal. The minuscule amount of mercury in the preservative's compound ingredients is no more than would be obtained through a meal of fish.
However, there are some manufacturers who have developed single doses of flu vaccine that will not contain the thimerosal, which may be available to those who have this concern. The larger 10cc vials will have to have the preservative added, but single dose vials and single dose pre-loaded syringes may be an option for some. Discuss this with your health care professional in advance of presenting for the vaccination if you have these concerns.
How do you get rid of soar throat?
Use apple cider,Or dip pickles into a jar of boiling water then suck on it but wait a little so it's not to hot!Try gargaling warm salt water(it works best for me). Or try sucking on a lemon with honey.And try eating dill pikles
The influenza viruses, like swine flu (H1N1/09), reproduce in a method called the lytic cycle.
As a quick and over-simplified explanation of the lytic cycle: the virus attaches to your cell (flu viruses attach to the cells of mucous tissue, mostly first in the nose, mouth and eyes), inserts its DNA/RNA into the cell and that instructs the cell to stop what it was doing as its normal function for the body and start making replications of the virus instead. In that way, the virus, a non-living organism, hijacks our bodies to supply the raw materials and do the work required to reproduce itself. Once that one cell makes a full batch of virus particles, the cell splits open and the "newbie" virus particles go attach to other cells and repeat the cycle entering cell after cell after cell. The hijacking and death of the split open cells help trigger our bodies to begin the attack on the virus. It is then that we will feel the symptoms of both the loss of the cells from their regular duties, and the immune response that includes the fever, excess mucus production, etc.
See the related questions below for more detailed information about the lytic cycle.
Can swine flu be transmitted through chicken?
Currently (5/9/09) neither the CDC nor the WHO list mosquitoes as a method of transmission of H1N1 (Swine Flu). There is no conclusive field or statistical information to prove this yet, but it is not likely. Usually mosquitoes do not carry the influenza viruses.
They do carry some other viruses such as West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis, but so far most people asked do not believe the Swine Flu will be spread by mosquitoes. But, the two viruses mentioned above that are carried by them are deadly and caution should always be taken when mosquitoes are present.
To protect yourself and family from disease carrying mosquitoes, wear long sleeves when out at night and dusk and dawn. Use DEET repellent. Wear light colored clothing since they are attracted to dark colors, and keep standing water, in which they lay eggs, emptied. Attract Hummingbirds (they eat thousands in one day), bats (equally as good in hunting them),frogs, lizards, toads, and dragonflies to your yard and garden. Purple Martin birds also are good for mosquito control but they require more maintenance and very tall and specifically built houses to attract them.
How long should one wait after getting the H1N1 vaccine before trying to get pregnant?
It doesn't matter, Vaccinations won't affect the chances of you getting pregnant.
It depends on the vaccine. Generally, at least a month. For Rubella, you have to wait three months after its administration before you can try to conceive. That's why it's so important to have a pre-conception visit at least three months before planning to get pregnant. (You don't have that luxury with "oops" babies, of course.) You can find out then if you need to update vaccines, start a multi-vitamin and folic acid, and address any routine medical issues. It's also a good idea to get a basic blood workup before trying to conceive to test for thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, etc. Most of those things are automatically included in a pre-conception visit.
If you have a nasty cough and a throbbing headache and dihorea do you have swine flu?
Probably not. While it is possible, you could easily just have a cold, regualr flu, allergies, or some other common virus.
Well, it depends.. It could be just a cold, regular flu, allergies or some other virus, but since swine flu is very popular nowdays, it would be nice to check..Can you swim after getting a flu shot?
This depends on whether you have an open wound, therefore allowing it (flu) to be exposed and endanger everyone else in the pool. If you have closed wounds you should be mindful and careful of the other people and that you don't cut yourself or anything of the sort.
How late can you get a flu shot this season?
Usually if you haven't had one by February in the Northern Hemisphere, there is no point, since the time it takes for the shot to work to protect you will likely take you beyond the most active parts of flu season (typically October to March).
It will not hurt to have one later than that, it will still protect you from the flu that the vaccines in the shot are made for if that flu comes around again in another season. Ask the pharmacist how long they will have vaccine available for the 2010-2011 season. (Walgreen's is cheaper than most places in the US these days at under $20 ~ no affiliation, just a helpful tip.)
How do you get a cold over night?
Drink and eat warm things. Stuff like ice cream would make your cold last longer. So drink something like warm tea, and eat something like soup.
Can humans catch the stomach flu from dogs?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Dogs and cats have totally different viruses that spread and totally different bodies. Don't sweat it if your cat has the sniffles! beachball45
The cold in humans is species-specific, meaning you cannot spread it to your dog or cat, nor can you get it from them. (I don't believe cats can catch "the sniffles" it is more of a bacterial infection.)
-UsaChan147 ^^
What systems are affected by the common cold?
The hundreds of different viruses responsible for causing a common cold all make their attack on the human body in the upper respiratory tract. The virus particles attach to the cells of the mucous tissue in sinuses, nose, mouth, eyes, throat and trachea first. The bronchial tubes and lungs also can be affected. In addition to the respiratory system and eyes, the immune system is triggered to work to rid your body of the invader with an immune response, which will employ resources from the circulatory system and blood forming organs.
