Prevention strategies and symptoms to look out for.
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| | | Hello, and welcome! Over the next 2 days, you'll learn essential information about respiratory viruses like the flu and cold, plus how to protect your health. Let's start with the basics. | | Risk factors | | Cold and flu season occurs during the fall and winter months, along with other illnesses like COVID and RSV. Cold viruses are most prevalent between September and May, while the flu peaks between December and February. This is likely due to the colder, drier weather and increased susceptibility to viral infections due to repeated and more frequent exposure. | | Aside from the time of year, several other factors can increase your risk of getting a cold or the flu, including: | | | • | exposure to school-age children | | | | • | infrequent hand washing | | | | | | • | a weakened or compromised immune system | | | Symptoms to look out for | | Colds and the flu share some similarities. Knowing the differences between the two can help you decide how to treat your condition — and whether you need to contact a doctor. | | Upper respiratory infections, like colds, are caused by many different viruses and primarily affect the nasal cavities, sinuses, and pharynx. Lower respiratory infections, like the flu, occur in the lungs. The symptoms and complication risk vary depending on where they affect the body. | | Generally, the flu is more severe than a common cold. Cold symptoms gradually appear within 1 to 3 days, whereas the flu onset is usually more sudden. The flu may progress to pneumonia (lungs), while colds may progress to sinusitis, ear infections, and bronchitis. Children under the age of 5 years and adults 65 and over are at the highest risk of developing severe complications. This can result in hospitalization or even death. | | For a more detailed breakdown of symptoms, download our cold versus flu comparison chart. |  | | | | Prevention tips | | There's no cure for colds or flu, so prevention and symptom management are key. | | Getting a flu shot every September or October (before flu activity picks up) is one of the best ways to protect yourself, especially as the strains change each year. The vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, including pregnant people. There's currently no vaccine to prevent viruses that cause common colds. | | There are many other steps you can take to lower your chances of catching a cold or the flu and avoid passing it on to others through droplets spread by sneezing, coughing, or talking. Consider taking these preventive measures: | | | • | Wash your hands with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs. | | | | • | Avoid close contact with people who are sick. | | | | • | Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. | | | | • | Cough into your elbow (not your hands) to protect others. | | | | • | Support your gut health by taking probiotics. | | | | • | Limit how often you touch your face, especially your mouth and nose. | | | | • | Try to stay home if you're not feeling well or you have a fever. | | | | | More care for you | | | | That's a wrap on Day 1. Tomorrow, we'll discuss treatment options and at-home remedies that can help you feel better. See you then. | | | | | | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll
see you again soon! | | | | View in browser
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