Is it a cold or is it influenza? - Oct 15, 2009
As we enter the “cough and cold” season this fall, the biggest challenge for people will be trying to decide “do I have a cold or do I have influenza.”
As we enter the “cough and cold” season this fall, the biggest challenge for people will be trying to decide “do I have a cold or do I have influenza.”
Dr. Ruth Gingrich, Regional Chief of Family Practice for Western Health says “The real problem is that people use the words “cold” and “flu” to mean the same thing. The symptoms do overlap but influenza almost always has fever and cough, and people complain of other things like fatigue, headaches, muscle pains and joint pains which are more severe than with the common cold. People with colds can frequently carry on a lot of normal activities, but a flu puts you to bed.”
The only significant difference with H1N1 infection is that it tends to cause vomitting and/or diarrhea in about 25% of those aged 5 and under.
H1N1 influenza has extra challenges because most people under age 65 have no immunity from infection with similar flu viruses which circulated in the 1930s and 1940s. As a result this creates the risk of high numbers of people getting infected under the age of 65. Dr. Niel DuToit, Respirologist and Chief of ICU with Western Health says “With a new strain of flu virus, we have to take extra precautions to avoid getting sick including good attention to handwashing, coughing/sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue instead of your hands, staying home if you’re sick, and getting plenty of rest. If you happen to be in the same room with someone with flu symptoms, it is wise to stay about 2 metres (6 feet) away.”
People with underlying diseases which make them more at risk for complications from influenza, (asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, diabetes etc.) should make sure that they see their doctor or other health professional early if they develop symptoms of influenza. Dr. DuToit says “Higher risk people who develop influenza need early access to antivirals to avoid complications, and should ideally be seen within 48 hours of developing symptoms. This acts as a bridge so that we can keep the higher risk people well until the H1N1 vaccine becomes available probably mid-November. The vaccine will be the ultimate protection.”
On occasion people without underlying illness experience complications with influenza like pneumonia. People who develop shortness of breath, green sputum, chest pain, low blood pressure and other symptoms should also seek medical care sooner than later.
-30-
For more information,
Please contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications,
Western Health 709-637-5252
Dr. Ruth Gingrich, Regional Chief of Family Practice for Western Health says “The real problem is that people use the words “cold” and “flu” to mean the same thing. The symptoms do overlap but influenza almost always has fever and cough, and people complain of other things like fatigue, headaches, muscle pains and joint pains which are more severe than with the common cold. People with colds can frequently carry on a lot of normal activities, but a flu puts you to bed.”
The only significant difference with H1N1 infection is that it tends to cause vomitting and/or diarrhea in about 25% of those aged 5 and under.
H1N1 influenza has extra challenges because most people under age 65 have no immunity from infection with similar flu viruses which circulated in the 1930s and 1940s. As a result this creates the risk of high numbers of people getting infected under the age of 65. Dr. Niel DuToit, Respirologist and Chief of ICU with Western Health says “With a new strain of flu virus, we have to take extra precautions to avoid getting sick including good attention to handwashing, coughing/sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue instead of your hands, staying home if you’re sick, and getting plenty of rest. If you happen to be in the same room with someone with flu symptoms, it is wise to stay about 2 metres (6 feet) away.”
People with underlying diseases which make them more at risk for complications from influenza, (asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, diabetes etc.) should make sure that they see their doctor or other health professional early if they develop symptoms of influenza. Dr. DuToit says “Higher risk people who develop influenza need early access to antivirals to avoid complications, and should ideally be seen within 48 hours of developing symptoms. This acts as a bridge so that we can keep the higher risk people well until the H1N1 vaccine becomes available probably mid-November. The vaccine will be the ultimate protection.”
On occasion people without underlying illness experience complications with influenza like pneumonia. People who develop shortness of breath, green sputum, chest pain, low blood pressure and other symptoms should also seek medical care sooner than later.
-30-
For more information,
Please contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications,
Western Health 709-637-5252
