Consider these statistics:

• According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35-50 million Americans are infected with influenza (the flu) during flu season, which typically lasts from November to March.
  
  
• According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Americans suffer 1 billion colds annually.

With so many people affected by these two infections, it may seem impossible to avoid catching one, or both. But, you can greatly reduce your chances. Arm yourself with the following information about the common cold and the flu – and don't be the next victim.

Is It a cold or the flu?
The symptoms for a cold and the flu are somewhat similar. This easy-to-read chart can help you determine which infection you may have.

Symptom	Cold	Flu
Fever	Rarely above 100.5°F-101°F, and then only for a day or so	Characteristic, high (102°F-104°F); lasts 3-4 days
Headache	Generally mild	Prominent
General aches, pains	Slight	Usual; often severe
Fatigue, weakness	Quite mild	Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme exhaustion	Never	Early and prominent
Stuffy nose	Common	Sometimes
Sneezing	Usual	Sometimes
Sore throat	Common	Sometimes
Chest discomfort, cough	Mild to moderate, hacking cough	Common; can become severe

Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Facts about the common cold
A cold is a minor infection of the throat and nose. Although colds are usually mild, they are the leading cause of doctor visits and job and school absenteeism. More than 200 different viruses are known to cause symptoms of a cold, although rhinoviruses and coronaviruses cause the majority of colds. Cold symptoms usually last about 1-2 weeks. A cold can rarely turn into a severe lower respiratory infection in young children.

Preventing a cold
Colds are extremely contagious. A cold is transmitted by droplets of fluid that contain the cold virus. These droplets become airborne when an infected person sneezes, coughs or speaks. You contaminate yourself by inhaling these droplets or touching a surface that the viruses have landed on and then touching your eyes or nose. To prevent getting a cold, take these simple precautions:

• Avoid close contact with people who have a cold.
• Wash your hands often.
• Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth. This will help you avoid infecting yourself with germs you may have picked up.

Avoid spreading your cold to others by:

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue handy, put your arm up over your face and sneeze into your elbow. (Sneezing onto your hands increases your likelihood of spreading the cold to others!)
• Wash your hands often.
• Limit close contact with others when you are sick.

Treating a cold
Antibiotics will not cure a cold. In fact, you cannot cure a cold. But, certain things can help you reduce your discomfort. These include:

• Drink at least eight glasses of water and juice a day. This will help keep you hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These promote dehydration.
• Avoid smoke. It irritates an already sore throat and intensifies a cough.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Use a humidifier – an electric device that puts moisture into the air.

Facts about the flu
The flu is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by the influenza virus and is spread through the air. The flu is highly contagious. When an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks, tiny droplets full of flu particles are expelled. Because these droplets are small, they are suspended in the air long enough for another person to inhale them.

The flu and its symptoms are more severe than those of the common cold. The flu can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. In addition, it can be life-threatening for the elderly, people with lung disease, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Preventing the flu
A flu shot can possibly lower your chance of getting the flu. The best time to get the shot is from early October to the middle of November, but because flu often arrives late in the winter, shots can usually be given into February or March and still offer the full benefit.

Anyone can benefit from flu shots, but public health experts recommend that the following persons have high priority for protection from influenza:

• Those over 65 or between 6 months and 5 years old
• Women who might become or be pregnant during flu season
• Healthcare workers
• Persons with a variety of chronic disorders including diabetes, cancer, heart disease and most lung problems
• Caretakers of young children, the elderly or persons with chronic disorders listed above

Treating the flu
Most importantly, when you have the flu, you need rest. And until your symptoms are gone, it is a good idea to not go back to your full activity level. You also need plenty of liquids.

When to Call the doctor
You usually do not need to call a doctor if you have signs of the flu or a cold. However, you should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following difficulties:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• Your symptoms last a long time.
• After you feel better, you develop signs of a more serious problem. These include:
  • Sick-to-your-stomach feeling
  • Vomiting
  • High fever
  • Shaking chills
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing with a thick, yellow-green mucus