Written by
Holly Heller MSN, RN, APN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Student Health Services
A survival guide for the Cold and Flu season
As winter ramps up, so does the dreaded cold and flu season. And this year brings with it the continued concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Student Health Services, we are already seeing positive cases of influenza (flu) virus as well as “influenza like illnesses.” As we begin the winter months, here are some tips for keeping you and your family healthy during this cold and flu season.
What is the difference between a cold, the flu and COVID-19?
How many times before have we dismissed sniffles as “just a cold” and carried on with our lives with a stuffy nose and sinus congestion assuming that the symptoms would eventually subside? Because COVID-19 and flu symptoms are quite similar to cold symptoms, it is often hard to tell the difference. The major difference we see is that flu symptoms hit you quickly (within 3-6 hours) and are more intense than the symptoms of the typical cold or COVID. The current variant of COVID-19 in young healthy adults is generally mild and fizzles out relatively quickly as does the common cold. Influenza (flu), on the other hand, can cause intense illness for multiple days and in some people, it can be deadly. It is important to know the differences, and to seek medical attention appropriately.
The flu is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus. COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by a novel (new to us) coronavirus. The common cold is also a viral infection caused by the adenovirus or a common coronavirus, and there are many, many different subsets of cold viruses with a lot of variability in them. That is why there is no cure for the common cold and no vaccine available. COVID-19 is known to be caused by a novel coronavirus and a new vaccine is available to reduce your risk of getting severe disease if infected. The flu is known to be from influenza and is preventable with vaccination as well.
Flu symptoms consist of a sudden onset of fever, body aches, dry cough and extreme tiredness. The current variant of COVID-19 comes on gradually with fatigue, runny nose, cough, and sore throat reported as common symptoms. Colds are less severe and people experience a runny nose, congestion, and sore throat. Both the flu and COVID-19 have been known to cause pandemics with the potential for mortality, whereas the common cold is just a nuisance for us.
The following chart can help you compare flu symptoms, COVID-19, and cold symptoms. Remember that if you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, you should self-test for COVID. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is best to contact your medical provider or Student Health Services for assistance in managing these symptoms and to arrange an appointment for flu testing. Most colds can be treated at home without medical attention.
|
SYMPTOMS |
COVID-19 |
COLD |
FLU |
|
Fever |
Common (usually 100° F or higher) |
Rare |
High (100-102°F & can last 3-4 days) |
|
Headache |
Sometimes |
Rare |
Intense |
|
Extreme Exhaustion |
Sometimes (progresses slowly) |
No |
Common (starts early) |
|
General Aches/Pains |
Sometimes |
Slight |
Common (often severe) |
|
Fatigue, Weakness |
Sometimes |
Slight |
Common (often severe) |
|
Stuffy Nose |
Rare |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Sneezing |
Rare |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Sore throat |
Sometimes |
Common |
Common |
|
Cough |
Common |
Mild to moderate |
Common (can become severe) |
|
Shortness of Breath |
In more serious illnesses (seek medical attention) |
Rare |
Rare |
|
Runny Nose |
Sometimes |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Diarrhea |
Sometimes |
NO |
Sometimes |
What to do if you get sick?
1). Test yourself for COVID-19. As you see from the chart above, many symptoms of COVID-19, flu, and colds overlap. It’s often hard to tell the difference. Obtain a COVID-19 self-test kit and test yourself. These test kits are available for free with your health insurance card at any local pharmacy counter. If the pharmacy is not open, you can always buy test kits at most pharmacy store registers. Students can purchase kits from Student Health Services for $12 for two tests. If your test is negative and you’re still feeling pretty awful, schedule an evaluation with your healthcare provider, or if you are a student, with Student Health Services by calling 609.771.2889.
2). Get plenty of rest. When people are sick their body needs extra rest to recover. Don’t fight it. Take a nap if your body is telling you that it needs one. Get to bed early, unplug, and get some sleep.
3). Drink up. Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps flush out the germs and helps the immune system work properly. Limit caffeinated drinks and avoid alcohol during illness.
4). Quit smoking and/or vaping. If you can’t stop smoking or vaping, at least cut back during your illness.
5). Treat your symptoms. Using over-the-counter medications to treat your symptoms will make you feel better. Cough suppressants, nasal decongestants, and fever reducers are excellent choices when you have a cold, flu, or COVID-19. Be sure to read the package label and follow the instructions for appropriate dosing of the medication.
How can you keep yourself healthy?
1). Get vaccinated. Get your flu vaccination each year in early October to give you the best protection against the influenza (flu) virus. Keep up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccine boosters as recommended.
2). Engage in germ warfare. Keep your hands clean. Many germs and viruses are spread by your hands. Touching surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth increases your risk of getting sick. Sneeze and cough into your elbow/arm or a tissue. Coughing into your hands puts the germs right where you can spread them to any object or person you touch.
Here are a few tips on proper handwashing.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while vigorously lathering the palms, between fingers, around nail beds, and the backs of hands. Pay close attention to hand hygiene before and after each meal, after playing outside, using the bathroom, handling pets, blowing noses, and after being anywhere in public.
3). Keep it cool. An overheated home or dorm room promotes dry air. This dry air can affect your mucous membranes. When the mucous membranes in your nose, mouth, and tonsils are dry, they can’t trap germs very well and a dry nose can crack and bleed making it easier for germs to get inside your body. Lowering the heat in your sleeping area and using a humidifier can make a difference.
4). Eat the Rainbow. Eating a well-balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats is needed for immune function and maintenance. Go grab an apple and a nice big glass of water today and you’ll be on your way to staying healthy this winter season.
5). Get moving. Exercise helps boost your mood and immune system. So get out and walk in your neighborhood or enjoy our new TCNJ walking path. Enjoy the views while you reduce your stress and keep yourself looking and feeling great.
For more information on COVID, Colds, & Flu visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm