Cold & Flu

Colds and the flu are common, often affecting adults and children 2-3 times or more each year. If symptoms of cold and flu make you feel miserable, the physicians at AssociatesMD are here for you. They offer treatments to reduce your symptoms and vaccines to help prevent you from getting the flu. Call the office in Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Weston, Margate, Dania Beach, or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, today to schedule an appointment. You can also reach out online.

What is a cold and flu?

The cold and flu are both illnesses caused by viruses. They can lead to an infection of your respiratory tract, including your nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms are often more severe if you have the flu versus a cold. The providers at AssociatesMD can help prevent you from getting sick and treat uncomfortable symptoms.

What are the symptoms of colds and flu?

The symptoms of a cold or flu vary depending on which illness you have.

Symptoms of a cold include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Mild body aches or headaches
• Low-grade fever
• Sneezing
• Feeling unwell

Symptoms of the flu include:

• A dry, persistent cough
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Aching muscles
• Headaches
• Sweats and chills
• A fever over 100.4℉
• Fatigue
• Weakness

Flu and colds have many of the same symptoms, but the flu usually makes you feel much worse. The flu usually comes on suddenly, while colds often develop slowly over time.

What causes colds and flu?

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses that enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. You can catch colds and the flu from other people infected with these viruses. They spread through hand-to-hand contact, shared objects, or air droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks.

What is the treatment for colds and flu?

If your doctor suspects the flu, they might complete special diagnostic tests to find out for sure. Treatment generally involves managing your symptoms or taking medications that reduce the severity of your illness. Your provider might recommend:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Drinking lots of fluids
• Pain-relieving and fever-reducing medicines
• Decongestants
• Cough medicines
• Antiviral medications for flu

Colds might last about 7-10 days, while the flu can last 1-2 weeks. If symptoms persist or get worse, check back in with your doctor.

Can I prevent colds and the flu?

While there is no surefire way to prevent developing a cold or flu, you can lower your risk by:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Washing your hands often
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Getting vaccinated for the flu

Be proactive if you have a cold or the flu to reduce symptoms and speed up recovery. Schedule an appointment at AssociatesMD by phone or online today.