Cold or Flu?
With similar symptoms and seasons in common, it can be difficult to differentiate between the common cold and the flu. Though both affect your respiratory system and often commence with congestion and sore throats, their distinctions lie in longevity, contagion and severity. For the sake of your own health and that of others around you, it’s a good idea to study up on the symptoms of each so that you can properly overcome or avoid an illness.
Plus, whether you know you’ve caught a cold, are just starting to sniffle or fear that the flu is in your near future, it’s important to know when it is your best bet to stay in bed. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor or take this quick quiz to help you decide.
Common Sense for the Common Cold
One of the most effective measures for preventing illness is to have good hand hygiene. In other words, wash your hands! Even if you come into contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections, a quality hand washing can keep you from catching sick.
Some hand-washing wisdom:
- Whether you’re using water and antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer: Scrub front and back of hands, in between fingers and under your nails – and scrub well.
- If using soap and water – scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
- If using hand sanitizer: Choose a product that contains at least 60% alcohol to eliminate the most germs and scrub until your hands are dry.
Plus, did you know that many lifestyle factors affect the strength of your immune system and your susceptibility to catching a bug? Age, poor diet and sleep habits, cigarette smoking and mental stress have all been linked to impaired immune function. Bottom line – you can’t expect to stay healthy if you don’t practice healthy habits.
One of the healthiest habits you can practice is regular exercise. Not only can it help you manage weight and stress, but research suggests that it can boost your body’s defenses against the common cold. Learn more about the link between exercise and immunity.
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