Your head is pounding, your body is aching, your throat is sore and all you do is blow your nose. The typical and the most common symptoms of cold and flu have just hit otherwise healthy you and you are bombarded with advice from almost everyone you know. The onset of flu and the common cold are similar, understanding the difference between the two is essential, to have the right treatment. While both common cold and flu are respiratory diseases, the symptoms of flu are a lot worse than simple cough and cold. Since the illnesses affect the airways, throat, lungs, and nose, it often becomes difficult to differentiate between the two.
The simplest way of preventing any type of viral infection, including the flu and common cold, is to maintain hygiene. It is very important because when anyone catches a flu and cold, she or he becomes contagious about twenty-four hours before symptoms show up. We bring to you some of the best ways of limiting exposure to flu and cold viruses.
- How about getting a flu shot?a flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent common cold and flu. Prevention, after all, is better than cure.
- Avoid going to crowded places from common cold and flu can make things a lot difficult if you end up visiting crowded places. Try to cover your mouth with handkerchief or mouth in public places.
- Washing your hands sure that you wash your hands every time you travel in public transport, someone coughs or sneezes around you and prior to` eating. Well, it is not possible to wash your hands everywhere, it is a good idea to carry sanitizer and wipes while traveling. Make sure the wipes and sanitize you carry has sixty percent of alcohol.
- Make sure you keep common everyday objects clean. Some of the common objects are counters, smartphones, door handles, tap handles and keyboard, among many others.
- To avoid contamination, use paper towels.
- Do not touch your face after coughing and sneezing.
- Do not smoke, not even passive smoking, because it can trigger irritation and worsen the common cold and flu symptoms.
- Learn to practice sneezing and coughing into the inside of your elbow instead of your hands to stop spreading the viruses.
Myths
Myth– Antibiotics can treat flu and the common cold
Fact– It is important to understand that flu and the common cold can occur because of certain viruses and strains. If it is triggered by a virus, consuming one antibiotic or the other will not anything at all. Moreover, the intake of unnecessary antibiotics might lead to the development of antibiotic resistance.
Intake of Vitamin C prevents flu and the common cold
It is a common misconception that the consumption of Vitamin C can prevent common cold and flu. However, no definitive research and studies are indicating herbal medicines intake such as zinc and Vitamin C can prevent flu and the common cold. Consumption of these things may lessen the symptoms.
Myth– Common cold might turn into flu if not treated
Fact– People need to understand that flu and the common cold are triggered by different strains of viruses. Though they appear identical, they are completely different.
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