The arrival of winter and cold weather usually comes hand in hand with colds and the flu, as explained by Brickley Biondi, assistant physician at UCHealth Primary Care – Steamboat Springs. That is why it is important to maintain basic hygiene, protect yourself through vaccinations, and know how to differentiate between the flu and a cold, as they are different viruses and therefore are treated differently. It is also important to know that these viruses have nothing to do with COVID-19, as they are completely different illnesses. It is advisable to know how to proceed if you contract any of these viruses, understand what type of medication to take, and be aware of the symptoms and their duration.
Flu and colds in winter season
UCHealth Primary Care – Steamboat Springs assistant physician, Brickely Biondi, has clarified on UCHealth’s official website several aspects and common questions regarding the flu, colds, and even COVID-19, which are more likely to appear when winter and cold weather arrive. It is important to stay informed through specialized sources to avoid falling into myths or misinformation. According to Biondi, “The cold and the flu are two separate viruses. Good basic hygiene, such as washing your hands and wearing a mask if you are sick, can help prevent the spread of these illnesses”.
Vaccination
According to Biondi, everyone over 6 months old should receive their annual flu vaccine to prevent serious illnesses caused by it. He places special emphasis on pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. “The flu vaccine is safe and effective,” said Biondi. “I would encourage anyone and everyone to get it.” Although many people report feeling tired or even getting sick after receiving a flu vaccine, Biondi states that this is a myth, and it is not true that the vaccine causes the illness, since it is an inactivated virus.
According to the doctor, the best time to get vaccinated is in late autumn or early winter. “Getting a flu vaccine not only helps you, but also those in your community who have not been vaccinated, including very young and elderly people, creating herd immunity. Flu vaccines reduce the severity of the illness and prevent serious complications”, Biondi said.
Difference Between Flu and Cold
Although both usually last between 3 or 4 days with a full recovery of 10-14 days, the flu usually has more serious symptoms than a cold. Fever, headache, nausea and muscle aches, and even vomiting or diarrhea usually appear in extreme cases. Colds, on the other hand, usually include a runny nose and sneezing. According to Biondi, “Sometimes there can be a gray area between the two.
There’s an at-home test you can do to see if you have the flu.” It’s important to know how to distinguish it from COVID-19 (which can be done through a simple at-home test), as “They’re caused by different viruses, although the symptoms can be similar,” Bondi said. “COVID tests are readily available, and you can take them at home so you know definitively if you have it.”
How to prevent colds and flu?
Biondi advises:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Do not send sick children to school.
- If possible, isolate yourself at home and use separate towels for sick family members.
- If you are sick, wear a mask if you need to be in public.
Although there are over-the-counter medications to treat these viruses, it is recommended that you always first consult a doctor or professional for a proper assessment and diagnosis, and above all, never resort to self-medication.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between the flu and a cold?
The flu is more severe and usually causes fever, muscle aches, and nausea; a cold is milder and mainly shows up as sneezing and a runny nose.
Can the flu vaccine make me sick?
No, that’s a myth, according to Biondi. The vaccine contains an inactivated virus that cannot cause the illness; its purpose is to prevent serious complications and protect others.
What can you do to avoid getting infected?
The main measures are to wash your hands frequently, get vaccinated every year, and stay home (or wear a mask) if you already have symptoms to avoid spreading the virus.