Pilots Prevent
November 2, 2021
The temperatures have dropped and we’re all spending a lot more time indoors. That means, you guessed it, cold and flu season is here. But with the COVID-19 pandemic still in play, this isn’t the usual season of sniffles. Every cough, every achy muscle can feel like cause for alarm. We asked Miko Hoy, a registered nurse at UP’s Health and Counseling Center, to give us some insights and advice for keeping the worries, and germs, at bay.
Q: How do cold symptoms differ from flu symptoms? Are there any differences between regular flu symptoms and covid symptoms?
All are contagious viruses and it can be difficult to tell the difference between the three. Generally speaking, flu symptoms are typically worse than colds and any cold/flu symptoms could also be symptoms of COVID. The CDC has this great chart on their website for cold vs. flu symptoms:
The only major symptoms that you typically won’t see with cold or flu and that you may see with COVID, is loss of taste and smell, but those with COVID don’t always lose their sense of taste or smell, so relying on the presence or absence of those symptoms alone is unreliable. The only way to accurately differentiate between cold/flu/COVID is through testing.
Q: What do I do if I think I have the flu? Should I get a covid test?
If you have any cold, flu, or COVID symptoms, you should contact the HCC or a healthcare provider and get tested for COVID. For students on campus, we are requesting they contact the HCC so we can evaluate them, provide free testing, and also help provide support while they are recovering and guidance on how to protect others while they are ill.
Q: What are some ways I can try to avoid contracting a cold or flu?
During the pandemic, wearing a mask, socially distancing, and frequent handwashing have been extremely effective in preventing the spread of viruses. Specifically for cold and flu prevention, it’s important to practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching your face. If you are ill, you can also help prevent the spread by covering your cough, washing your hands, and staying home when you are sick.
Q: What are some ways I can boost my immune system during cold and flu season?
We recommend staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and eating healthy as important steps we can take to stay well. Avoiding drugs and alcohol, managing stress, and getting regular exercise can also help. Lastly, getting a flu vaccine annually can prevent the flu or lessen the severity of the symptoms if you do get the flu.
Q: What are some over the counter medications that can actually help relieve symptoms of a cold or flu?
Because the cold and flu are viruses, antibiotics will not be effective in treating them. Since cold and flu symptoms can be uncomfortable though, we recommend treating the symptoms individually rather than taking combination medications such as Nyquil. Combination medications can contain multiple drugs in one dose and may not even be necessary based on your symptoms. Medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol can be used for pain and fever, Claritin, Zyrtec, Flonase, and Mucinex can help with congestion, and more natural remedies like tea with honey can be effective for a sore throat and cough.
Q: Are generic medications just as good as brand-name?
Generic medications are just as good as the brand name medications. They contain the same active ingredients and are often much less expensive.
Q: What are some home remedies that can help speed recovery? I see elderberry in many over the counter remedies. Why is that?
Increased intake of vitamin D or C may help. Broths and teas can soothe symptoms such as sore throat or cough and provide hydration as well. Many natural supplements such as elderberry, echinacea, etc. have been promoted to help with cold and flu symptoms but there isn’t enough information available to definitively support those claims. While any of these remedies may be useful, there are no substitutes for quality rest, hydration, and good self care as the body works to fight illness.
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