In the month of December, common illnesses include colds and flu, which are caused by viruses. Symptoms of a cold can include a runny nose, congestion, coughing, and a sore throat, while symptoms of the flu can include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and a dry cough. It is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, to help prevent the spread of these illnesses. It is also a good idea to get a flu vaccine to help protect against the flu. If you do get a cold or the flu, it is important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to help your body recover. If your symptoms are severe or you are at high risk for complications, you may want to speak to a healthcare provider for further treatment and advice.
Colds and flu are both respiratory illnesses that are caused by viruses. They can spread from person to person through droplets in the air when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, or talks, or through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms of a cold can include a runny or stuffy nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat. These symptoms usually last for a few days to a week. Colds are generally not as severe as the flu, and most people can manage their symptoms at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve discomfort.
Symptoms of the flu can include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and a dry cough. The flu can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially in children. Flu symptoms can be severe and can lead to complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The flu can also make existing health conditions worse. It is important to see a healthcare provider if you have severe flu symptoms or if you are at high risk for complications, such as if you are pregnant, has a chronic illness, or have a weakened immune system.
To help prevent the spread of colds and flu, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. It is also a good idea to get a flu vaccine each year to help protect against the flu. The flu vaccine is particularly important for people who are at high risk for complications or for those who work in settings where they may be exposed to the virus, such as healthcare workers or schoolteachers.