The flu and cold are illnesses that are caused by different germs. It can be hard to tell between them based on signs alone. The flu is an infection that attacks your nose, throat and lungs. It is not the same as the “stomach flu” that causes diarrhea and vomiting. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as high fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, infections, or hospitalizations.
FLU COMPLICATIONS
Most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will have problems (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections are examples of problems caused by the flu; if these occur, please call us to make an appointment at 816.474.4920. The flu can make health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may have asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with heart failure may get worse because of the flu.
PEOPLE AT HIGHER RISK FROM FLU
Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people). People 65 years and older, people of any age with health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children get the flu more often. Also, people who take care of other people have a better chance of getting the flu.
HOW FLU SPREADS
Most experts think flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. A person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.
HOW TO STOP THE FLU
The flu is a virus and antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses like the cold and flu so it is important to protect yourself and your family from the flu. The best way to stop the flu is to wash your hands often, cough or sneeze into a tissue and get a flu shot before you get the flu. Rodgers Health has the new flu shot available. If you are covered by Missouri Medicaid, you can receive the flu shot for free by using your Missouri Medicaid. Flu shots can be done during our regular office hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday without seeing your provider. Please note: If you are sick, you should NOT get the vaccine until you are well. To make an appointment for a flu shot, please call 816.474.4920.
Don’t miss your chance to stay well! Get a flu shot!
