Do you know the difference between a cold and the flu?

1. A person is more likely to run a high fever for days when sick with:

A cold

The flu

Congestion, sore throat, and sneezing are common with colds. Both cold and flu bring coughing, headache, and chest discomfort. With the flu, however, you are more likely to develop a high fever for several days and have headache, myalgia, fatigue, and weakness. Usually, complications from colds are relatively minor, but a severe case of flu can lead to a life-threatening illness such as pneumonia.

Explanation

Congestion, sore throat, and sneezing are common with colds. Both cold and flu bring coughing, headache, and chest discomfort. With the flu, however, you are more likely to develop a high fever for several days and have headache, myalgia, fatigue, and weakness. Usually, complications from colds are relatively minor, but a severe case of flu can lead to a life-threatening illness such as pneumonia.

2. Which infection kills 36,000 Americans each year?

Bacterial infections associated with the common cold

Influenza (The flu)

The CDC reports that flu kills 36,000 Americans annually. If you have an underlying illness, or if you're over age 50, or an infant, your risk is much higher. The flu vaccine can reduce your risk for serious complications of influenza. Vaccine options include either the flu shot or the flu sniff.

Explanation

The CDC reports that flu kills 36,000 Americans annually. If you have an underlying illness, or if you're over age 50, or an infant, your risk is much higher. The flu vaccine can reduce your risk for serious complications of influenza. Vaccine options include either the flu shot or the flu sniff.

3. Which illness is milder on the body?

Usually a cold

Usually the flu

Many people confuse the common cold with influenza (the flu). Influenza is caused by the influenza virus, while the common cold generally is not. While some of the symptoms of the common cold and influenza may be similar, patients with the common cold typically have a milder illness.

Explanation

Many people confuse the common cold with influenza (the flu). Influenza is caused by the influenza virus, while the common cold generally is not. While some of the symptoms of the common cold and influenza may be similar, patients with the common cold typically have a milder illness.

4. Which illness generally resolves in 7-12 days?

A cold

The flu

(In most situations, cold symptoms will be over within a week to 12 days. If you have chest tightness, difficulty taking a breath, and/or wheezing, call your doctor. You may have a cold complication such as bronchitis or chest cold. Or you might have asthma and a cold. In either case, your doctor may need to see you to let you know if further treatment is necessary.

Explanation

(In most situations, cold symptoms will be over within a week to 12 days. If you have chest tightness, difficulty taking a breath, and/or wheezing, call your doctor. You may have a cold complication such as bronchitis or chest cold. Or you might have asthma and a cold. In either case, your doctor may need to see you to let you know if further treatment is necessary.

5. The best way to prevent flu infection is to regularly wash or sanitize your hands.

True

False

The best way to prevent a cold is to regularly wash or sanitize your hands. Much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by annual influenza vaccination. To prevent flu, vaccination is recommended. Flu vaccine (influenza vaccine made from inactivated and sometimes attenuated [non-infective] virus) is specifically recommended for those who are at high risk for developing serious complications as a result of influenza infection. These high-risk groups for conventional flu include all people aged 65 years or older and people of any age with chronic diseases of the heart, lung, or kidneys; diabetes; immunosuppression; or severe forms of anemia.

Explanation

The best way to prevent a cold is to regularly wash or sanitize your hands. Much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by annual influenza vaccination. To prevent flu, vaccination is recommended. Flu vaccine (influenza vaccine made from inactivated and sometimes attenuated [non-infective] virus) is specifically recommended for those who are at high risk for developing serious complications as a result of influenza infection. These high-risk groups for conventional flu include all people aged 65 years or older and people of any age with chronic diseases of the heart, lung, or kidneys; diabetes; immunosuppression; or severe forms of anemia.

Do You Know The Difference Between A Cold And The Flu?