What You Should Know About

What You Should Know About Viral Infections like a Cold or Flu What is a viral infection? A virus cannot reproduce by Itself. It makes you sick by taking over some cells of your body in order to multiply. Examples of viral infections are colds and flu.

What are the symptoms of a cold or flu? Common symptoms are weakness, cough, headache, fever, aching muscles, and red, watery eyes.

How do you get a cold or flu? When someone with a cold or flu coughs or sneezes, droplets containing the virus are easily passed from person to person through touch or inhalation through the nose or mouth.

Can a cold or flu be prevented? There is no vaccine that will prevent a cold. A flu vaccine Is recommended for elderly persons and persons with a chronic illness. Because the flu virus varies slightly from year to year, it is important for these people to get a flu shot annually.

Other ways to prevent a cold and flu: follow a good diet, drink plenty of fluids, get adequate rest, and do not share personal items like toothpaste, drinking cups, and eating utensils with other members of the household.

Should I see my doctor? Most of the time, colds and flu can be treated at home. But for some symptoms, and for symptoms that persist, you should see your doctor.

These include: • Fever over 103•F (102•F in the elderly) • Cough that produces significant amounts of colored mucus • Difficulty breathing or chest pain • Very red sore throat with white patches • Persistent runny nose (more than 5 days) with green or yellow discharge • Severe headache • Symptoms that worsen after 3-5 days or persist more than 14 days

What is the treatment? If you do get a cold or flu, antibiotics will not fight it. Antibiotics are effective only for bacterial infections. Treatment, including over-the-counter medications, will not cure the cold or flu, but will help you feel better until your body's defenses control the virus.

Steps to take: • Drink plenty of fluids • Take a pain reliever for headache and muscle aches • Get bed rest • Avoid smoking, and excessively dry air

Follow your doctor's advice If the cause of your infection is a virus, antibiotics will not work. Your doctor will decide the best treatment for your condition. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have questions about the treatment recommended for you.

Russell Sadberry: Reprinted from Memorial Hermann Healthcare System