Patient Handout
Is it a cold,or is it
The Flu? The virus can live in the air for up to 3 hours, so those in close
quarters are most likely to share the disease.
There is no cure for the flu. However, you can get a vaccination,
which is recommended especially if you have asthma or heart
disease. Treatment depends on how sick you are. Lots of fluids and
rest are always recommended. Prescription medication is rarely
useful in getting rid of the flu, but may shorten the time you are sick.
Sinus Infection
Occasionally, if you have a lot of mucus from a cold, a sinus
infection may develop. Everybody with a cold develops swelling of
the sinus (the air-filled spaces in the skull) but less than 5 per-
cent of people with colds develop a true sinus infection.
When nasal congestion and thick yellow or yellow-green dis-
Cold charge with a feeling of pressure in the head and cough last for
A cold is caused by a virus and affects the nose, throat, sinus- more than 10 days after the start of cold or flu, or return after
es, ears and chest. Colds are spread through personal contact or initial improvement from a cold, it is probably a sinus infection.
when a person sneezes or coughs and does not cover his nose This is the only time that an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor
or mouth. may be needed.
Symptoms can include a discharge from the nose and eyes,
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Publication No.
sneezing, sore throat, low fever, headache, fatigue, chills, aches,
(FDA) 99-1264
cough, congestion and earache. These symptoms last 7-14 days.
(Cut along the dotted line and photocopy this helpful handout for your patients.)
The best treatment for a cold is rest, fluids and a humidifier (a — Compiled by Debra Joy Nogueras, MSN, ARNP,C, director of student affairs,
machine that can put moisture into the air) in the bedroom. There Barry University School of Nursing, Miami Shores, FL.
is no cure for the common cold. Severe symptoms such as fever,
sore throat or headache may require the use of over-the-counter
medications. Your health care provider can suggest these treatments.
Symptoms Cold Flu
Fever Rare Yes, high for 3-4 days
Flu Headache Rare Yes
The flu (influenza) begins with a sudden headache, dry cough
and chills. A high fever (up to 104° F) is common but usually is Aches & pains Slight Yes, severe
gone by the third day. Then nasal congestion and sore throat may Fatigue/Weakness Mild Yes, lasting 2-3 weeks
appear. Fatigue and weakness may continue for days or even
weeks. The flu rarely causes upset stomach, diarrhea or vomiting. Exhaustion No Yes
Flu is a highly contagious virus spread by direct person-to- Stuffy nose Yes No
person contact (coughing spreads more infection than sneezing).
Sneezing Yes Rare
The purpose of this patient education handout is to further explain or remind you about a Sore throat Yes Rare
medical condition. This handout is a general guide only. If you have specific questions, be
✁
sure to discuss them with your health care provider. This handout may be reproduced for Cough Yes Yes, and can become severe
distribution to patients.