Difference Between a Cold or Flu

The days are getting shorter and the weather is beginning to chill. The cold and flu season is upon us. With more activities inside and closer physical contact with others, this increases your potential of acquiring a bacterial of viral infection.

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose (1).

The best form of prevention, during these times, is to frequently wash of your hands. Most germs are spread through skin contact. Touching of surfaces such as computers, desks, chairs and hand-shaking can help in the spread of disease.

Once these germs or bacteria get on your skin it can easily transition to other areas of your body. Rubbing your eyes or nose, handling foods such as sandwiches, burgers or burritos, gives these germs an easy opportunity to get inside your body.

Once inside, these germs can multiple and cause you to become ill. Your best defense is the frequent cleansing of your hands. Plain soap and warm water are the simplest and best form of cleansing. Spend time in creating a good lather with the soap. Make sure to rub in between each finger and under your fingernails. It is best to wash for at least 15 to 20 seconds or as long as it takes to sing the childhood song, “Twinkle, twinkle little star”.

This can be a fun way to get children involved in more frequent hand washing.