Bush Bulldog Clinic

All the important info YOU need to know

Cold? Flu? Or Stomach Virus?

January14

There are 3 main illnesses that present during this time of year and much confusion about which is which.

Here is a quick overview and some helpful links:

Common colds can be caused by over 200 viruses but the most common cause is a rhinovirus.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing
  • Watery eyes
  • Mild headache
  • Mild body aches

Care involves symptom relief or “comfort care” until the virus has run its course.

You should consult a healthcare provider if

  • Temperature higher than 100.4° F
  • Symptoms that last more than 10 days
  • Symptoms that are not relieved by over-the-counter medicines

CDC Common Cold and Runny Nose

 

Influenza AKA The Flu is also caused by a virus and can be spread before an infected individual displays any symptoms. Most commonly influenza includes an abrupt onset of

  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Care for someone who is sick with the flu is also supportive.

5 Steps to Take if You Get the Flu

  1. Stay at home and rest.
  2. Avoid close contact with well people in your house so you won’t make them sick.
  3. Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent fluid loss (dehydration).
  4. Treat fever and cough with medicines you can buy at the store.
  5. If you get very sick, are pregnant, or are 65 years or older, or are otherwise at high risk of flu-related complications, call your doctor. You might need antiviral drugs to treat flu.

CDC Influenza(Flu)

Strictly speaking the “Stomach Flu” is not an influenza.

Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States. Each year, it causes 19-21 million illnesses and contributes to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths. Norovirus is also the most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States.

The best way to help prevent norovirus is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness.

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, often with vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Infants and young children are most likely to get rotavirus disease. They can become severely dehydrated and need to be hospitalized and can even die.

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