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Flu Facts

Colds and flu are the subject of a great many misconceptions. Flu symptoms can masquerade as colds and common colds can leave you as devastated as any flu virus. So what's the difference? Dr. Seth Feltheimer, an associate attending physician, and Patricia Ciminera, nurse practitioner at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, offer their insights and expertise on these sources of misery.

First, the differences: a cold is usually an upper respiratory tract infection with symptoms including a sore throat, head congestion, sinus pain, and low-grade fever. On the other hand, the flu symptoms include a higher fever, a sore throat, a cough, and body aches. A common cold usually lasts two to three days while the flu can take as long as a week. Unlike colds, the flu can lead to more serious complications and even hospitalization, especially in high-risk individuals like asthmatics and the elderly.

Now, on to the facts and the fallacies!

The best way to prevent a cold is to wash your hands.
FACT OR FICTION?

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 01/09