Is it a cold, or is it the flu?

Strengthening your immune system and knowing how to tell the difference between cold and flu symptoms: two seemingly simple things that are actually essential to your health.

"Happiness lies, first of all, in health."

George William Curtis

Although we've become much more culturally aware of the importance of seeing a doctor to find out what illness we have and what medications we should take, we still need to stay alert and not let our guard down, because we can often confuse dangerous illnesses with others that aren't as serious, as is the case with the flu vs. the common cold.

Differences (≠) and similarities (=) between the common cold and the flu= They share some similar symptoms, which makes it hard to notice the difference= Both are respiratory illnesses.≠ They are caused by different viruses.≠ The flu is much worse than the common cold.≠ Flu symptoms are more severe.≠ Colds don't usually develop complications or lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalization.≠ The flu can have very serious complications.These are the most common signs and symptoms; however, even knowing them, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the two illnesses apart. There are specific tests that can be done in the first few days of illness to determine whether someone has the flu or not.

Who is most vulnerable?The New York State Department of Health tells us that "pregnant women, children younger than 5, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or lung disease, people younger than 19 who are on long-term aspirin therapy, people 65 and older, and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities" (2009).

How can we take care of ourselves?When it comes to health, it's better to prevent than to regret:

• Eat healthily.

• Boost your defenses with the power of Vitamin C and Zinc from Redoxon®.

• Get vaccinated.

• Avoid sudden temperature changes.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Don't share food or drinks from the same plate or glass.

• Avoid contact with sick people. If contact is unavoidable, wear a face mask and protective glasses.

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And if you've already gotten sick, take the following precautions:

• See your doctor.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Strengthen your immune system with Redoxon®, which will help you recover more quickly.

• Prevent the spread of germs: when you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue, or use the inside of your elbow instead of your hands. Throw the tissue away after using it.

• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also useful when you're not near a sink.

• If you'll be around other people, wear a face mask.

• Rest as much as you can!

ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, Cold Versus Flu. (February, 2019). Retrieved from https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htmNew York State Department of Health, H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Flu: Differences and Similarities. (December, 2009). Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/7242/