Adventist Health Glendale | Healthline Quarterly | Early Spring 2018

FLU VS. COLD Know the difference and stay healthy By Arlet Sarkissian, DO, family medicine, Adventist Health Glendale BEING INFORMED ABOUT THE FLU is important to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some facts you need to know and steps you can take to stay ahead of the game. The flu and cold are caused by two different viruses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, and colds are caused by other viruses (the most common being rhinovirus.) Although the symp- toms are similar, colds generally tend to be milder. The flu may result in various complications, such as pneumonia and asthma, and it may lead to hospitalization in some cases. Flu symptoms vary and may range from fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, feeling tired, coughing, stuffy nose, headaches and runny nose. What steps can I take to prevent the flu? Wash your hands with soap and water, or use alcohol hand sanitizer. Avoid contact with individuals who are sick. If you have the flu, it can be treated with antiviral medications. See your doctor if you think you have the flu. When can you get the influenza vaccine? Influenza peaks during December through March, but it can be present until May. When you receive the vaccine, it takes approximately two weeks to develop antibod- ies against the influenza virus so that you are protected against the disease. Therefore, it is best to get the vaccine by the end of October each year. Who is not a candidate for the flu vaccine? ●● Administration of the flu vaccine starts at 6 months of age and older. Any child be- low the age of 6 months should not get the flu vaccine. ●● Anyone with a past severe reaction to the influenza vaccine should not receive the flu vaccine. ●● Individuals who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome after receiving the flu vaccine should not receive it again. ●● Individuals who are moderately to severely ill (with or without fever) should wait until their illness has resolved. Talk to your doctor to see if the flu vaccine is right for you. Who is at an increased risk for complications from the flu? Some individuals are at a higher risk than others from contracting the flu. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you or your loved ones fall into these categories: ●● Children younger than 5 years old. ●● Adults older than 65 years old. ●● Pregnant women. ●● Individuals who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. ●● Individuals with chronic medical conditions (examples include heart and lung disease). ●● Immunocompromised individuals. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 6 ACHES/PAINS COUGH CHEST DISCOMFORT SYMPTOMS Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases SORE THROAT STUFFY/RUNNY NOSE VOMITING/DIARRHEA EXHAUSTION FATIGUE FEVER HEADACHE SNEEZING COLD FLU COLD FLU? Colds and the flu share some symptoms, but they are two unique conditions. or Adventist Health Glendale urgent care centers offer flu shots. Go to AdventistHealthGlendale.org for hours and directions. Arlet Sarkissian, DO FLU FACTS