SCHC Annual Flu Clinic

                                                   

Call (519) 258-6002 ext. 210 to book your appointment today!

 

 

COLD OR FLU? How can you tell?

 

SYMPTOMS	COLD	FLU
Fever	Rare	Characteristic, high (38-40 degrees C), sudden onset; lasts 3 - 4 days
Headache	Rare	Prominent; frequent
General aches/pains	Slight	Usually, often severe
Fatigue and weakness	Quite mild	Moderate to extreme, can last up to one month
Bedridden	Never	Frequently, lasts up to 5 or 10 days
Runny, stuffy nose	Common	Sometimes
Sneezing	Usual	Sometimes
Sore throat	Common	Sometimes
Cough and chest discomfort	Mild to moderate hacking cough	Common, can be severe
Complications	Earache and/or sinus congestion	Bronchitis, pneumonia, kidney failure, heart failure, can be life-threatening

 

Remember - there is no cure for the common cold and anitbiotics do not do anything to the common cold virus.

If you are concerned about any of your symptoms or if you have more than a low grade fever, a fever lasting more than a few days, a cough that worsens or starts bringing up thick or coloured mucous (also knows as sputum), a persistent earache, or yellow drainage from the eye, then you should see a doctor or nurse practitioner.

The good news is that a normally healthy person is likely to fight off "the common cold" infection without requiring medical attention. This means that you do not necessarily need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner to help treat your cold. Remember to drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest. The best way to prevent the common cold is proper handwashing.

The most effective way to protect yourself against the flu is a Flu Shot. Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner for a flu shot!

 

 

 

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