Cold & Flu
Cold
Common Cold
A common cold, a.k.a. Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), may occur at any time of year with seasonal peaks occurring in fall and spring. Colds are primarily spread through contact with infected individuals, usually if you touch your eyes or nose shortly after hand-to-hand contact. Good hand washing is one of the best protective measures.
Colds occur any time of the year with seasonal peaks in the fall and spring.
Symptons
Symptoms
Common Cold
 |
Scratchy, sore throat |
|
Stuffy or runny nose |
|
Sneezing |
|
Decreased energy |
|
Muscle aches |
|
Watery eyes |
|
Cough - dry or with phlegm |
How to care for yourself
How to care for yourself
Tips for symptom relief and immune system support
|
Get plenty of rest |
|
Do not smoke |
|
Drink plenty of fluids—up to 3-4 liters per day (to prevent dehydration from fever and to help loosen mucus or phlegm) |
|
For fever, headache, body aches, or sore throat pain, take Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Advil (Ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen) every 4-6 hours. |
|
For hoarseness or laryngitis, talk as little as possible. Straining the voice can prolong or worsen laryngitis. |
|
For heavy amounts of nasal discharge or a large amount of phlegm associated with cough, use a mucolytic, such as Mucinex (available over-the-counter), or nasal rinse. |
|
For persistent runny nose or nasal congestion, use antihistamines and decongestants. Mild antihistamines (ex. Chlor-Trimeton, Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec) are useful for runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Decongestants (ex. Sudafed) for nasal/sinus congestion or ear fullness. Combination antihistamines/decongestants (ex. Actifed or Dimetapp) may be taken for multiple symptoms. Antihistamines may make you drowsy (decongestants usually will not). |
When to seek medical care
When to seek medical care
Seek medical attention if you are not improving after 7-10 days or for any of the following symptoms:
|
Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen |
|
Fever higher than 100°F degrees for more than 3-4 days |
|
Painful swelling of the lymph nodes or glands in the neck |
|
Painful breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath |
|
Persistent pain/pressure in the chest or abdomen |
|
Severe muscle pain, weakness or unsteadiness |
|
Severe headaches or facial pain not relieved with over-the-counter medication |
|
Cough that persists more than 2-3 weeks |
|
Pain or tenderness around the eyes |
|
Ear pain (as opposed to a “full” feeling) |
|
Seizures |
|
Not urinating |
|
Worsening of chronic medical conditions |
Resources
Flu
Influenza
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. Influenza is spread by inhaling the influenza virus generated by coughs and sneezes and hand-to-hand contact with infected secretions on hard surfaces.
Each year, influenza viruses can change and new vaccines are made to combat the strains that are expected to cause illness that year. The flu vaccine may reduce the chance of getting the flu by 40-60%, and lessen the severity of illness in a person who does get the flu.
Flu outbreaks typically recur every winter. Flu season is October - May.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Flu - Influenza
|
Fever* higher than 100°F or 37.8°C |
|
Headache |
|
General aches and pains |
|
Extreme tiredness |
|
Chest discomfort or cough |
|
Runny or stuffy nose |
|
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common among children than adults) |
*not everyone with the flu will have a fever
On-campus vaccinations
On-campus vaccinations
Grossmont Health & Wellness is partnering with Champions for Health to provide all students, staff, and faculty with free Flu and COVID19 vaccinations.
 |
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 |
 |
10:00 am - 2:00 pm |
 |
Main Quad |
Future dates TBD
Resources
Resources
Visit the CDC's Seasonal Influenza (Flu) and Flu Symptoms & Complications web page for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SD County Weekly Respiratory surveillance Report (COVID19 & Flu) |
|
|