Cold and Flu
Introduction:
The public’s health is greatly impacted by the common respiratory ailments of colds and the flu (influenza). While the flu can cause serious sickness and complications, the common cold is often mild and self-limiting. Effective management requires knowledge of the variations among various ailments, as well as their causes, symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures.
Symptoms
Cold Symptoms
- Nasal symptoms include sneezing, postnasal drip, and runny or stuffy nose.
- Symptoms of the throat include soreness and slight discomfort.
- Cough usually not too severe, generating little to no mucous.
- Systemic symptoms include periodic low-grade fever and mild tiredness, which are more common in children than in adults.
- Other symptoms include modest body aches, a moderate headache, and watery eyes.
Flu-Symptoms
- Fever: A high temperature that lasts for three to four days, usually between 100°F and 104°F.
- Headache: People often have severe headaches.
- Severe aches in the arms, legs, and back are examples of muscle and joint aches.
- Weariness: Excessive weariness and debility, lasting for two to three weeks.
- Symptoms of the respiratory system: nasal congestion, sore throat, and dry, persistent cough.
- Symptoms of the digestive system include diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea (particularly common in youngsters).
Causes:
Cold
- Caused by more than 200 distinct viruses, the most frequent of which are rhinoviruses.
- Respiratory droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneezes are the means of transmission.
- Can also spread by touching the face after coming into direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Flu
- Caused by the A, B, and C influenza viruses. Pandemics are caused by type A viruses, which are the most virulent; type B viruses create seasonal outbreaks.
- Spread via intimate contact with infected people and respiratory droplets.
- Because viruses can live on surfaces, they can spread indirectly when someone touches an infected surface and subsequently their face.
Risk Factors
- Age: Older persons (over 65) and little children (under 5) are more vulnerable.
People with HIV/AIDS, chronic disease patients, and patients on immunosuppressive therapies all have weakened immune systems. - Seasonal Patterns: Because of tighter indoor contact and decreased humidity, colds and flu are more common in the fall and winter.
- Workplaces, schools, daycare facilities, and nursing homes are examples of close contact settings.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Complications are more likely in cases of diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and other chronic conditions.
Diagnosis
Cold:
Based on clinical symptoms, a diagnosis is made. Generally speaking, laboratory testing is not indicated until a bacterial illness is suspected.
Flu:
Diagnosed using the 15-minute turnaround time for rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs).
Although it takes longer, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests yield results that are more accurate.
The gold standard is a viral culture test, however these are labor-intensive and mostly utilized for epidemiological or research reasons.
Cold Treatment
- Sleep is necessary for the body to heal.
- Hydration: To stay hydrated, consume a lot of liquids.
- Vaporizers and humidifiers: They reduce nasal congestion.
Over-the-Counter Drugs:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are pain relievers that lower temperature and ease pains.
- Decongestants: Phenylephrine to relieve nasal congestion, and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
- Antihistamines: loratadine (Claritin) to stop runny nose and sneezing, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Cough suppressants: Robitussin, or dextromethorphan, for dry cough.
- Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is an expectorant that thins mucus and increases cough productivity.
Flu Treatment
Like cold therapy, rest and hydration are crucial for healing.
Antiviral medications:
Doctor-prescribed, best administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms
- Oseltamivir: Antiviral medication taken orally.
- Inhaled antiviral medication, zanamivir (Relenza).
- In severe situations, intravenous peramivir (Rapivab) is used as an antiviral.
- Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil): Oral antiviral used once.
Over-the-Counter Drugs: They relieve symptoms in a manner akin to using a cold compress.
Prevention:
Vaccination: The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. Every year, vaccines are modified to reflect newly circulating strains.
Hygienic Practices:
- Hand washing: Give your hands a frequent 20-second wash with soap and water.
- When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow according to respiratory etiquette.
- Refrain from Touching Your Face: This helps stop infections from spreading from hands to mucous membranes.
- Avoid Close Contact: Keep a safe distance from sick people and avoid close contact in busy areas.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, get enough sleep, and manage your stress to keep your immune system strong.
Complications
Cold Complications:
- Inflammation and inflammation of the sinuses, often known as sinusitis or sinus infection.
Otitis media: Especially in youngsters, this infection causes fever and ear ache.
Flu Complications:
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Inflammation of the bronchial tubes is known as bronchitis.
- A worsening of heart disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are examples of exacerbations of chronic conditions.
- Ear and sinus infections: Probably more serious than colds.
- Severe respiratory failure in extreme situations is known as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
Pharmacist Interventions
Medication counseling:
Give guidance on how to take over-the-counter drugs and prescription antivirals safely, paying particular attention to dose regimens and possible side effects.
Promotion of Vaccination:
Patients’ reluctance to receive the annual flu shot should be addressed, along with its advantages.
Symptom Management:
Provide advice on how to take care of symptoms at home, such as using humidifiers, drinking plenty of water, and getting plenty of rest.
Educate patients on the value of changing their lifestyles and practicing good hygiene in order to prevent infection.
Conclusion:
It is easier to properly manage common respiratory ailments like colds and flu when one is aware of their causes, symptoms, and remedies. Reducing the prevalence and severity of these diseases requires immunization and good hygiene practices. In the event of serious symptoms or consequences, get medical help right away.