Fast Flu Facts: Is it a cold or the flu? BodBeat Episode 12

The Flu is an airborne virus – spread from one person to another by droplets from coughing or sneezing.

• Although flu symptoms are felt throughout the body, the flu virus lives and multiplies primarily in the lungs.

• Upset stomach and vomiting are not symptoms of the flu – “stomach flu” is usually caused by other microorganisms and is often mistakenly referred to as the “flu.”

So how do you tell if it’s a cold or the flu? Let’s go through the list of common symptoms

FATIGUE  —> FLU

FEVER  (100-104) —> FLU

MUSCLE ACHE —> FLU

JOINT PAIN —> FLU

LOSS OF APPETITE  —> FLU

HEADACHE  —> FLU

COUGH —> COLD OR FLU

STUFFY NOSE —> COLD

DIARRHEA/VOMITING —> NEITHER

If you think you have Influenza, H1N1 treatment is available.  Call your healthcare provider.

Dr. Loretta