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“The flu spreads mainly through respiratory HEALTH PAGE #2
droplets that travel through the air when we talk,
sing, cough, or sneeze,” Dr. Shukhman says. It’s “The common cold is not as deadly,
also possible for a person to get infected with but since any built-up immunity
the flu by touching the same surface as someone wanes over the course of a year,
who is infected, or by shaking hands or sharing you can get the same common cold
cups and glasses. multiple times,” Dr. Shukhman says.
Most people who get the flu develop symptoms Symptoms generally last seven to
within four days of infection, and those symptoms 10 days while your immune system
usually resolve within two weeks. Unlike battles the virus.
COVID-19, a vaccine is available now—so the What to do if you’re infected
best way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot If you feel sick, be it the flu,
and continue to practice good hand hygiene. COVID-19, or the common cold,
it’s important to pay attention to
COVID-19 worsening symptoms, particularly if
Coronavirus is an entire family of viruses, which you fall into a high-risk group (older
like the flu, mainly spreads through respiratory adults, people with underlying
droplets. Four of these viruses are similar to medical conditions, and pregnant
the common cold in terms of symptoms and women).
severity. The novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, Suffering from only mild cold and
is a potentially deadly virus that can lead to flu-like symptoms? Take a nasal
COVID-19. decongestant for a runny nose, a
COVID-19 and the flu have many common cough suppressant for a cough, and
symptoms, including: acetaminophen for fever, aches,
Fever and pains.
Muscle pains and body aches But you should still quarantine for
Sore throat at least 10 days before returning
Fatigue to your usual activities. “If you’re
Headache symptomatic, you should assume
Vomiting and diarrhea you have the coronavirus, even if
The differences between the flu and COVID-19: a test comes back negative,” Dr.
The latter may include a range of other signs, Shukhman says.
including loss or change in taste and smell, skin As with most things related to health,
reactions, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms the best offense is a good defense.
may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after You’ll be better equipped to sidestep
infection. The fallout from COVID-19 can last all viruses if you follow basic safety
from days to months. precautions: Wear a mask, practice
COMMON COLDS good hand hygiene, and maintain a
safe distance between yourself and
A common cold can make you feel miserable, but other individuals.
compared to the novel coronavirus and the flu, Then, bolster your immune system
the symptoms are usually mild and may include: by eating a diet featuring plenty of
Runny or stuffed nose fruits, vegetables, and whole grains,
Sneezing exercising regularly, and getting
Cough plenty of sleep. “That way, if you
Fatigue do get sick, you’ll have a better
Sore throat chance for a speedy recovery,” Dr.
Headaches Shukhman says.
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