Advice From A DOCTOR David Girardi, DO Penn Highlands Brookville Hospitalist
How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu? Influenza, or the flu, and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses and have similar symptoms. However, they are caused by different viruses and have different levels of severity. Generally, a stuffy nose, sneezing and a sore throat are more indicative of a cold. The flu is usually accompanied by a fever, body aches and fatigue. In my job as hospitalist for Penn Highlands Brookville, I see a lot of patients who have the flu. They become hospitalized because their illness develops into a very serious condition. The patient might get pneumonia or have life-threatening breathing problems. Usually, we see this in older adults, young children or people who already have chronic medical conditions, like COPD.
16 | FALL 2015
For this reason, I always recommend flu vaccinations. Anyone over six months of age can have them, with rare exception. They are quick and usually covered by insurance. And, they are the absolute best way to stop the spread of the virus. In particular, anyone who works with the elderly or with small children should be inoculated. You’ll do your co-workers, classmates, friends and family a favor by getting the injection, too. The flu vaccine is not 100 percent foolproof. The medication is developed, based on scientific research about the strains of virus that are most likely to be present that year. Even so, if a person still gets the flu, the vaccine in his or her system will usually lessen the symptoms. Besides the vaccination, the best way to stay healthy is by washing your hands often. Also clean common surfaces, and avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. Home Remedies For The Flu • Use a humidifier to make breathing easier. • Gargle with salt water to soothe the throat. • Use a cool, damp washcloth to ease a headache. • Stay hydrated with water, broth, or sports drinks. • Rest. Over-the-counter Help For The Flu • Decongestants help with sinus and chest stuffiness. • Cough medicine helps with coughing and sore throats. • Ibuprofen and acetaminophen help reduce fever and relieve pain.
Do Antibiotics Help? Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections like the flu. Some people have bacterial infections along with or caused by the flu and will need to take antibiotics. Severe or prolonged illness or illness that seems to get better but then gets worse may be a sign of bacterial infection. Contact your health care provider if you think you need antibiotics. The flu can cause complications in those who have weakened immune systems due to chronic disease or in the very elderly or very young. When complications like the following are present, seek medical attention immediately. • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (may also be characterized by blue discoloration of the lips). • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. • Sudden dizziness or confusion. • Severe, persistent vomiting. • Seizures.