Student Health Center: Colds and Flu

Self Care and Health Topics

The "Cold" Facts

A Cold

Runny nose, sneezing, sore or scratchy throat, hoarseness, cough, general malaise, muscle aches, and pains, and occasional low-grade fever are some of the discomforts of a cold. A cold is an upper respiratory infection usually caused by a virus. Colds are transmitted through coughing, sneezing or hand contact with infected surfaces A person is contagious from 2-3 days before symptoms occur until fever is gone. Secondary infections are usually indicated by pain, fever over 101 F, excessive coughing or prolonged symptoms. It is normal for symptoms to last 2 weeks, with or without medication.

Treatment: (to prevent secondary infections and complications)

Wash your hands often to prevent transmission to others
Gargle with warm salt water 3 times/day
Drink extra liquids
SLEEP, so your body can recover
Dress for the weather
Steam can relieve nasal congestion
Cough drops, hard candies and hot drinks can relieve cough
Acetaminophen can relieve aching
Over-the-counter decongestants can help

The Flu

The flu usually comes on very suddenly, with a fever. It can start anytime 1-3 days after exposure and can last several days to a week. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness. Treatment is the same as with colds — preventing secondary infections. Be sure to WASH YOUR HANDS often to prevent spread and SLEEP so your body can recover. A vaccine for influenza is available at the Yamhill County Health Department or other medical facilities for people who are at high risk for getting the flu.

When should you get medical advice?

Many illness start out with the same symptoms as colds and flu. If you have any of the following symptoms, have your health evaluated at the Health Center or another medical facility:

Fever over 101 F for 24 hours
Difficulty breathing
Sore throat lasting more than 4 days with gargling
Ear ache
Swollen lymph glands
Yellow/green mucous from nasal passage or lungs for longer than 3 to 4 days
Anything else that doesn’t seem right

Prevention

Wash your hands frequently; between classes, before you eat, if you have been around others who are sick. Avoid touching your hands to your face. Washing your hands may be your best prevention against bacteria and viruses!
SLEEP! Sleep is the time your body uses to recover from the day and get ready for what the next day has to offer. If you are sleep deprived, you put yourself at higher risk for getting sick.
Eat a well balanced diet.
Maintain a regular exercise program.
Keep your distance from others who are sick.
Don’t smoke. Smoking lowers resistance to all respiratory infections.

Allergies Vs. Colds and Flu

Allergies are the body’s reaction to the presence of allergens (pollens, dust, molds, animal hair, smoke, etc.) The immune system responds by releasing histamines and other inflammation-causing chemicals in an attempt to rid the body of allergens. Symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, rashes, itching. Fever does not usually accompany allergies.

Itchy eyes, nose and throat are characteristics of allergies. Fever, sore throat, muscle aches are characteristic of upper respiratory infections.

Allergy symptoms usually disappear when treated with antihistamines while fever, sore throat will not be affected.

Allergy symptoms are usually worse in the morning during the spring and summer when pollen counts are high.

Upper respiratory infections are usually gone in about 14 days. Allergies linger longer.

Disclaimer: This site provides general educational information on health topics and about health services for Linfield Students. Its contents are not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. See your health care practitioner for specific medical assistance.