{that time of the year again}

microscopic picture of the H1N1 virus

(image found via google image search)

so - it's that time of the year again. many people have already been sick. lots of stuff going around. many of us are worried about the swine flu - H1N1. much debate has been going on about whether to get the vaccine or not. some are still confused about when to go to the doctor and when not.

to make it simple, here's a list of the differences between a cold and a flu.

a cold

• milder than the flu
• usually lasts for about a week
• contagious for the first 3 days (stay home!!!)
• usually begins with a sore throat, which usually goes away in a day or two
• runny nose and congestion comes next
• cough by the 4th and 5th day
• children might get slight fever, adults usually not
• if no improvement in a week, a bacterial infection a possibility, you need to see a doctor (possibly need antibiotics)
• to help cold symptoms: antihistamines, decongestants, anti-inflammatory medication

a flu

• similar symptoms as in a cold, but more severe
• sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, cough
• swine flu especially - might get vomiting and diarrhea as well
• most symptoms gradually improve over 2-5 days but can take a week or more
• pneumonia is a common complication
• if you get shortness of breath or fever that comes back after having been gone for a day or two - go to a doctor immediately
• to help flu symptoms: antihistamines, decongestants, analgesics (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• antiviral drugs should be started within the first 48 hours (tamiflu, relenza)
• stay home!!!

source for info: www.webmd.com

one tip most people don't know about:

the doctors here are recommening a salt water spray to clear the nose of bacteria. don't just mix salt with water. go to your pharmacist and ask about it. it works great for people with allergies as well. it clears the nose and helps runny nose and congestion. prevents illness as well by flushing bacteria out.

ps. i'm not a doctor. use this info with discretion. :)