Many viral illnesses are going around this season. It is important to have some idea whether you have a cold, the flu, or a respiratory illness like bronchitis because they each have different severity, last different lengths of time, and have different treatments.

Common Cold

Causes: There are over 200 viruses that cause the common cold, but one of the most common causes is the rhinovirus. Prevalence: Adults average 2-3 colds each year. Symptoms: Symptom onset is gradual, featuring: fever less than 102°, sore throat, cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, headache, and fatigue. Prevention: Frequent hand washing. Treatment: Rest, hydration, nasal sprays and decongestants. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Duration: 3-10 days

The Flu

Causes: Influenza viruses. Prevalence: 5-20% of adults get the flu every year. Symptoms: Symptom onset is sudden and generally more severe than a cold, featuring: fever above 101°, chills, nausea, chills and sweats, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, headache, and loss of appetite. Prevention: The flu vaccine, frequent hand washing. Treatment: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen which are important for managing the fever and muscle aches. More severe cases may require a doctor’s visit and antiviral medications. Duration: 7-10 days

Acute Bronchitis

Causes: Usually a respiratory virus but can be caused by bacteria. Prevalence: About 5% of adults have an episode of acute bronchitis each year. Symptoms: Symptoms include a productive cough, malaise, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Prevention: Frequent handwashing and avoiding lung irritants like cigarette smoke. Treatment: Often gets better without treatment, but sometimes cough suppressants can help, and people with asthma or COPD benefit from steroids. Duration: 10-20 days

Many illness causing viruses will be going around this season, so it is important to take care of yourself and get enough sleep each night. The best way to prevent the flu or at least reduce the symptoms, is to get an annual flu shot. However, if you do find yourself under the weather, remember to get plenty of rest and drink extra fluids.

There are certainly steps to take to protect yourself, but it is also important to protect others when you are ill such as:

• Staying home while you are sick
• Avoiding close contact with others
• Washing your hands anytime you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose
• Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and objects like handles, doorknobs, and toys

References

“Cold Versus the Flu” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 18, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm

“Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February 12, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html

Mhorag Hay, C., “The Respiratory Viruses: Influenza, RSV, and Rhinoviruses,” Columbia University, 2008. http://www.columbia.edu/itc/hs/medical/pathophys/id/2008/respiratoryvirusesNotes.pdf

Singh, Anumeha; Zahn, Elise, “Acute Bronchitis,” StatPearls Publishing, January 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448067/