- Colds and flu are both caused by viruses.
- The most common way to catch a cold or the flu is through contact with an infected person.
- The average adult has an estimated 2 to 4 colds every year.
- Cold symptoms usually clear up within about a week; flu symptoms tend to last for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Viruses can cause yellow or green mucus drainage.
- Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as colds and flu; treating symptoms with OTC medication is a better option.
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Preventing Colds And Flu
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- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
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Cold vs Flu
How To Tell The Difference
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When symptoms start, it can be hard to tell whether you have a cold or the flu. However, a few distinctive signs of each illness can help you tell them apart (see table below).
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Symptoms
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Cold
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Flu
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Fever
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Rare
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Common, usually 102-104 degrees F, lasts 3 to 4 days
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Headache
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Rare
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Common
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Body Aches
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Mild
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Common, often severe
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Fatigue, Weakness
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Mild
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Common, severe early on, can last 2 to 3 weeks
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Stuffy nose
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Common
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Sometimes
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Sneezing
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Common
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Sometimes
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Sore Throat
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Common
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Sometimes
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Cough, Chest Discomfort
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Mild to moderate hacking cough
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Common, can become severe
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Treating Cold & Flu Symptoms
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- Drink plenty of "healthy" liquids such as water or juice
- Be sure to get adequate rest
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco smoke
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) mediations such as Advil, Advil Cold & Sinus, Robitussin, or Dimetapp to relieve symptoms.
- Dont immediately ask your doctor for an antibiotic. Antibiotics are not effective against cold and flu viruses
- Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or appear to be getting worse. It may be a sign that your cold or flu is complicated by a bacterial infection
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What Can OTC Medication Do For Me?
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Symptom Relief
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Helpful Medications
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Active
Ingredients
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Example Generics/Store Brands are fine
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Loosen and relieve chest congestion
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Expectorant
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Guaifenesin
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Robitussin
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Control cough
Loosen and relieve chest congestion
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Cough suppressant Expectorant
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Dextromethorphan Guaifenesin
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Robitussin DM
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Relieve runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Clear nasal stuffiness
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Antihistamine
Decongestant
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Brompheniramine
Pseudoephedrine
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Dimetapp Elixir
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Help relieve sore throat pain and headache
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Pain reliever
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Ibuprofen
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Advil
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Clear nasal stuffiness
Help relieve headache
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Decongestant
Pain reliever
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Pseudoephedrine
Ibuprofen
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Advil Cold & Sinus
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