How much do you really know about the treatment of colds and flu?  Even in normal times, it is easy to be confused by viral versus bacterial infections, and sorting out which is which when we get sick.  This gets further compounded following a disruptive event when physicians and pharmacies are not available to assist with our healthcare needs.

In this exclusive new article by contributing author, Joe Alton, colds, flu, and respiratory infections are addressed along with tips for ensuring good respiratory hygiene during good times and bad.

Colds and Flus

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Cold and flu season is upon us, and your whole family will be at risk for respiratory infections.  In survival settings, a major influenza outbreak could put your entire community out for the count.

Both colds and flus are caused by viruses, so antibiotics (effective against bacteria but not viruses) aren’t of much help. Common colds may be caused by 200 different viruses, but the most likely culprit is a type of Rhinovirus, named after the Greek word for “nose”. Influenza comes from different viruses in the Influenza A, B, and C categories.

Influenza in Recent History

Over the course of time, epidemic influenza outbreaks from this category have included:

• The Russian Flu in 1889-90 (1 million deaths)
• The Spanish Flu in 1918 (50-100 million deaths)
• The Asian Flu in 1957-8 (1-1.5 million deaths)
• The Hong Kong Flu in 1968-9 (750,000 deaths)
• The Swine Flu in 2009-2010 (18,000 deaths)

Although the virus is the original infection, most deaths associated with influenza are caused due to secondary bacterial pneumonia, opportunistic infections that occur due to a weakened immune system.

Viral particles can live for up to 48 hours on common household surfaces, such as kitchen counters, doorknobs, etc.  These particles can travel 4 to 6 feet when a person sneezes.

Symptoms of Colds and Flus

Symptoms of  colds and influenza can include fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, headaches, and sneezing.  Symptoms of lower respiratory infections (pneumonia and some bronchitis) include a cough (with phlegm, it is referred to as a “productive” cough), high fever, shortness of breath, and weakness/fatigue.  Most respiratory infections start showing symptoms 1 to 3 days after viral exposure and last for 7 to 10 days.

Although colds and flus share several symptoms, there are differences between the common cold and influenza that can help you make a diagnosis:

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