Flu

Is it a cold or the flu?

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by various influenza viruses. It is spread via sneezing or coughing of an infected person.

Symptoms	Cold	Flu
Fever Headache General aches, pains Fatigue, weakness Exhaustion Stuffy nose Sneezing Sore throat Coughing	rare rare slight very mild never common usually mostly mild hacking cough	high, lasting for 3-4 days present often severe may last 3-4 weeks early and prominent occasional occasional occasional common, may become severe
Complications	blocked sinuses, earache	bronchitis, pneumonia, may become life-threatening
Prevention	None	annual vaccination

Certain actions may minimize your risk of developing these conditions such as:

Good ventilation / open windows
Washing of hands regularly after contact with humans / objects
Avoid people with colds when possible
Sneeze or cough in a tissue / discard appropriately
Keep working surfaces clean at all times
Break the habit of touching your nose, eyes, mouth as these are entry points for the germs

Treatment:

Only for relief of cold symptoms
- bedrest
- lots of fluids
- anti-pyrexial meds
flu
- anti-viral drugs within 24-48 hours after onset

Antibiotics are not effective against the flu virus!

Consult your doctor if:

Your symptoms get worse
Your symptoms last more than five days
After feeling a little better, you develop signs of a more serious nature, such as coughing up thick yellow/green phlegm, chest pain, vomiting etc.

Go for your flu "shot", don't get the flu!

Who should be vaccinated?

All people -including children- who live/work with persons in high-risk groups for contracting flu
Health care workers in contact with people in high-risk groups
High-risk groups include:
- people older than 65
- people suffering from chronic disorders eg diabetes, asthma, emphysema, heart and lung diseases
- residents of long-term housing facilities
- people with immune depressive conditions eg. Hiv, treatment for cancer