Do I have a Cold…or the Flu? - LPNI
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Do I have a Cold…or the Flu?
LPNI Health Topic - January 2019
We
are in the midst of cold and flu season and there are so many
questions that arise over the differences between the two.
Questions
such as:
Even
for parish nurses, when we feel ill, these same questions arise.
Let’s look at some information that you can share with your members
and they can share with their family and friends.
When
Should I See a Healthcare Provider?
A
good educational tool for the parish nurse is to educate persons on
the difference between a cold and the flu. Because some of the
symptoms are very similar such as sore throat, stuffy or runny nose,
and sneezing, they may be seen in both colds and flu. However, there
are some important differences. With a cold you may get mild aches
and pains, mild to moderate cough, and sometimes fatigue. With the
flu, aches and pains are present and often severe, cough can be
severe, you will feel fatigued, have a fever and headache, and
occasionally a sore throat, sneezing and a stuffy or runny nose. Both
colds and flu can make one feel really bad – if in doubt as to
which you have, call your health care provider.
How
Long Should I Stay Home?
A
good rule of thumb is to stay home for a minimum of 24 hours AFTER
symptom are gone.
Are
There Medications to Help Me Feel Better?
For
colds, use medication to treat the symptoms, i.e. Ibuprofen and cough
drops. Also get lots of rest and drink lots of water, tea, etc.
For
flu, if you are diagnosed early, you may be prescribed Tamiflu or a
similar medication to shorten the duration of the flu and reduce
symptoms.
Why
Doesn’t the Healthcare Provider Give Me an Antibiotic?
This
is a great teaching point! Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial
infections.
Colds and flu are caused by viruses.
The exception to this would be if the person has pneumonia.
Finally,
and most importantly, frequent handwashing is not only good hygiene,
but it is imperative to stop the spread of colds and flu.
Sue
Neff, RN
Parish
Nurse
San
Diego, California, USA