COUGHS AND COLDS

Coughs, Colds and the Flu

It is the season---being indoors in the fall and winter in crowded conditions leads to colds, coughs and flu.

Sufferers are miserable and often lose time from important life activities like studying, having fun and working.

Cough is a common symptom, an "explosive expiration" to clear the tracheobronchial tree, which often accompanies colds and flu. Coughs may be dry or may produce sputum. With coughing there may also be a feeling of congestion or tightness in the chest.

>Known to all, colds are acute illnesses causing inflammation of the membranes of the nose and throat. Common symptoms include scratchy sore throat, headache, runny nose, maybe sneezing and often aches and fever. 200 different viruses may cause these infections. Symptoms may be mild to severe and may last up to 10 days. Viruses are spread by direct contact from person to person. Infected droplets land on inanimate objects. Touching these objects and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes spreads infection. The spread of infection can be decreased by careful and frequent hand washing.

Influenza-the "flu"-is a viral infection of the nose, throat, bronchial passages and lungs which occurs in people of all ages. The onset is usually abrupt. Symptoms include malaise, muscle aches, headache, fever, cough, sore throat, and nasal discharge (in many ways similar to colds). Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Symptoms may last up to 4 weeks.

Because viruses are not "cured" by antibiotics, these medications are usually not prescribed for colds and flu. Treatment focuses on decreasing the symptoms, thus making the sufferers more comfortable. Helpful measures include anti-inflammatories (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to treat aches and fever, bed rest until fever is gone, decongestants and cough medications as needed, a good diet and increased fluid intake (not caffeine or alcohol). In some cases an antiviral medication if started early may shorten the duration of illness. Persons who are pregnant or who have chronic illness should consult their health care provider prior to taking any medications.

Occasionally a secondary bacterial infection complicates the picture and an antibiotic may then be necessary. Symptoms such as pain in the face, ears or chest, wheezing or shortness of breath, productive or persistent cough; worsening of the initial symptoms; and illness lasting longer than a week should prompt a consultation with a health care provider.

An influenza vaccine is available to persons who may be at increased risk for serious illness, those with chronic illnesses and those who wish to decrease their chances of getting the flu. The viruses that cause influenza change frequently so a yearly shot is necessary. The protective effect begins about one to two weeks after the infection. The shots will not protect all persons all the time, and they will not protect against other, flu-like, illnesses. Most people suffer no side-effects from the vaccine, although there may be temporary soreness at the injection site (upper arm). As yet there is no vaccine to prevent the common cold. These vaccinations are usually given in the fall.

For more information regarding colds, coughs, flu and the flu vaccine contact personnel at the Student Health Center (775) 784-6598.

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