Learn about health related topics

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses. It is estimated that at least 200 different cold viruses exist! There are many kinds of flu viruses as well, but during any flu season, a single type of flu virus is common.

Cold and flu viruses can be spread through the air (e.g., when someone with the virus sneezes or coughs), through direct contact (e.g., shaking hands or kissing someone with the virus) or through indirect contact (e.g., sharing beverage or objects with someone with the virus).

However, simply having the virus on your fingertips will not lead to infection with the virus — the skin is an effective barrier against the virus. In order to become infected with a virus, you must transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. When you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your fingers, you may be allowing a cold or flu virus to enter your body.

Colds and the flu can be very hard to tell apart. The symptoms of a cold usually come on gradually. The most common cold symptoms include a run-down feeling, scratchy throat, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezes.

You may have a dry cough or headache, but fever in adults with a cold is rare. Colds seldom develop into more serious problems, but they sure can make life uncomfortable. Cold symptoms usually last about 10-14 days, the length of time it takes your immune system to fight the virus.

Flu symptoms often appear suddenly. The flu often begins like a cold, with a runny nose and a general run-down feeling, but more severe symptoms such as fever, body ache, headache, dry cough, sore throat, weakness or loss of appetite develop abruptly in 1-2 days. The flu usually lasts 7-10 days, but you may not feel completely recovered for up to 2-3 weeks.

top

• Remember that most cold and flu viruses are transferred from the fingertips to the eyes, nose or mouth where they can enter your body. Washing your hands frequently in soap and warm water is probably the most effective way to keep cold and flu viruses out of your body. 
   

• Try to avoid putting your fingers to your nose or eyes, especially if you’ve been around people with colds or the flu.
   

• Avoid sharing objects (pencils, towels, telephones, etc.) or beverages with people who have colds or the flu.
   

• Maintain healthy habits (such as adequate rest, good nutrition and daily exercise) that contribute to good general health and well-being.
   

• The flu vaccine is recommended as a way to prevent the flu, especially for people who are at high risk for developing serious complications — such as the elderly and people with lung disease, heart disease, or another chronic illness.
   

• The vaccine is also recommended for individuals who work in health care facilities and are exposed to respiratory illness repeatedly.
   

• The flu shot contains a weakened version of the influenza virus and prepares your body to fight this year’s influenza virus only. If you have a flu shot, you will be partially or completely immune to the flu, but you will still have no protection against colds.

For more information about flu shots,  see our Flu Clinic page, or call (612) 625-3222.

top

Call (612)-625-7900 and talk to the medical information nurse when you develop a cold or flu, or call (612)-625-3222 and make an appointment if any of the following apply to you:

• You have bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, heart disease, or any other chronic condition that is worsened by a cold or flu.
   

• You have a temperature of 101º F or higher, and the fever has been present for more than three days.
   

• You have white specks of pus on your tonsils, the glands in your neck are swollen, and you do not have a cough. Or, if there has been a recent known exposure to strep throat.

• Your temperature is about 103º F.
   

• You have pain along the side(s) of the chest or shortness of breath.  (Mid-chest pain is common in colds and flu and can be treated with humidity.)
   

• You have pain over the cheekbone or above the eyes, and you are blowing dark green mucus from the nose.
   

• You have severe ear pain.
   

• You note a change in mental status such as confusion, slow thinking, or excessive sleepiness.
   

• You have a cough that lasts a week longer than other symptoms, or you are coughing up bloody or dark green mucus.

top