Cold & Flu Tips
It's flu season, but fortunately there are some things we can do to reduce the chances that we will get sick this winter with these preventative measures: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially around sneezing and coughing. Clean household surfaces often. You can even make your own cleaning solution: 4 T ammonia + 2 T vinegar + 1 qt water. Search the internet for other non-toxic, homemade alternatives to cleaners-keyword "homemade cleaners". Keep your hands away from your face, where cold and flu viruses are often passed from person to person. Get plenty of rest. Eat healthy.
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Symptoms	Cold	Flu
Fever	Rare	High (102-104ºF) for 3-4 days
Headache	Rare	Prominent
General Aches	Slight	Usual, often severe
Fatigue	Quite Mild	Can last 2-3 weeks
Exhaustion	Never	Early & Prominent
Stuffy Nose	Common	Sometimes
Sneezing	Usual	Sometimes
Sore Throat	Common	Sometimes
Chest Discomfort	Mild to Moderate	Common; Can become severe
Cough	Hacking Cough	Common; Can become severe
Complications	Sinus Congestion; Earache	Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life threatening
Prevention	None	Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines-see doctor
Treatment	Only temporary relief of symptoms	Antiviral medicines– see doctor.
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