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Released: January 26, 2001
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Twenty to 50 percent of the U.S. population is expected to suffer from a cold or the flu - or both - this year. In a typical year, as many as 20,000 people may die from the flu, reported Mike Bradshaw, Kansas State University Research and Extension health and safety specialist. Many of the flu deaths are caused by such complications as pneumonia. Infants, children, the elderly, and those whose immune systems have been compromised by a severe chronic illness or medical treatment such as chemotherapy may have a greater risk, but no one is immune to complications, he said. Colds and the flu, which is a common name for influenza, are communicable viral infections. Some of the symptoms are similar, but the illnesses are not the same. A cold usually develops slowly – cold sufferers may notice an occasional sneeze or runny nose over a two- or three-day period. While children are more likely to experience an elevated body temperature or fever, such elevations are not limited to children. Cold symptoms also may include a cough. A cold may last several days – usually three to five days in adults and up to 10 days in children. Flu symptoms usually develop more quickly than cold symptoms. Flu sufferers may experience a headache, chills, and muscle aches or pains. Flu sufferers also may experience an elevated body temperature or fever that may subside in two to three days, as well as a sore throat, cough and feeling of weakness. The flu can be more painful than a cold, and symptoms may linger for an extended period, perhaps even several weeks. "The severity of flu symptoms can be reduced substantially with a flu shot, and physicians also are now considering newer medications that ease flu symptoms. Making the decision to seek advice from a health care professional is, however, a personal decision that may be influenced by several factors, including age, current health and health history," said Bradshaw, who offered the following tips for reducing the risk of catching a cold or the flu and passing the illness on to others:
* Drink plenty of fluids – six to eight glasses of water, for example – to keep the body well hydrated. When mucous membranes are moist, there is less chance that a virus that is inhaled will settle in. And, remember chicken soup. Warm, soothing liquids, such as soup or a warm drink, serve as a good source of fluids. The steamy liquids also soothe cold and flu symptoms, such as a irritated nasal passages and a sore throat. * Eat a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. * Get plenty of rest. * Limit contact with others who are ill. For example, if a child who shares a room with a sibling becomes ill, move the other child to another room to minimize spreading the illness. When illness is epidemic, try to avoid crowds. "When cold or flu symptoms first become apparent, take steps to minimize them. That may include staying home from work or canceling other plans, but doing so offers the promise of minimizing the severity of the illness and reducing the risks of spreading it," the health and safety specialist said. More information on health, wellness, and personal safety is available at county K-State Research and Extension offices. -30- K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.
Nancy B. Peterson npeterso@oznet.ksu.edu Communications Specialist K-State Research & Extension News For more information: |