The Millstone Times October 2018

HEALTH 

 WELLNESS

&

Cold, flu, or allergy? Know the Difference for Best Treatment Each year, millions of Americans suffer from one or more episodes of the common cold, flu, or allergies. If you have a runny nose, a stuffy head, and generally feel under the weather, how do you know whether it’s allergies making you feel miserable, a cold, or the more serious flu virus? Although you may opt to try to fight the sickness with hot tea and bed rest, it’s best to know which ailment is plaguing you so it can be treated accordingly—especially if it’s contagious. See the difference between flu, cold and allergy symptoms with this easy comparison chart from the National Institute of Health.

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Symptoms

Cold

Flu

Airborne Allergy

Fever

Rare

Usual, high (100- 102 °F), sometimes higher, especially in young children); lasts 3-4 days

Never

Headache

Uncommon

Common

Uncommon

General Aches, Pains Fatigue, Weakness Extreme Exhaustion

Slight

Usual; often severe

Never

ALLERGY, COLD OR FLU, WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Sometimes

Usual, can last up to 3 weeks Usual, at the beginning of the illness

Sometimes

Never

Never

Stuffy, Runny Nose

Common

Sometimes

Common

Sneezing

Usual

Sometimes

Usual

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Sore Throat

Common

Sometimes

Sometimes

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Cough

Common

Common, can become severe

Sometimes

Treatment

Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated. (Drink plenty of fluids.) Decongestants. Aspirin (ages 18 and up), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches and pains Wash your hands often. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold.

Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated. Aspirin (ages 18 and up), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches, pains, and fever Antiviral medicines (see your doctor) Get the flu vaccine each year. Wash your hands often. Avoid close contact with anyone who has the flu. Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening

Avoid allergens (things that you’re allergic to) Antihistamines Nasal steroids Decongestants

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Prevention

Avoid allergens, such as pollen, house dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroaches.

Complications

Sinus infection middle ear infection, asthma

Sinus infection, middle ear infection, asthma

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Committed to providing convenient and affordable medical services, Immediate Care offers walk-in treatment for non-life-threatening illness and injury. Wellness services include pre-employment, sports and DOT physicals, occupational medicine and vaccinations/immunizations. Both x-ray and laboratory services are available on-site. Immediate Care is open seven days a week with no appointment necessary. For a full list of healthcare services or to learn more about Immediate Care, please visit www.immcare.com.

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The Millstone Times

October 2018