Cold and Flu Season is Here – San Ramon Walk In Care Can Help!

The days are getting shorter, leaves are turning colors and the season for increased exposure to respiratory viruses is here. Below are some tips from Carolin Delker, a nurse practitioner manager at Sutter Walk-In Care, on how to recognize signs of cold or flu.

If you need a flu shot or care for routine illnesses, such as the cold or flu, you can stop in at our newest Sutter Walk-In Care clinic located in San Ramon at 460 Market Place, 94583. To learn more about Sutter Walk-In Care, please visit www.sutterhealth.org/walk-in-care or call 1-800-972-5547.

Is it a cold or the flu?
Peak flu season is between December and February, although the season can start in October and end in late March. In addition to flu, there are other cold viruses at this time. It’s important to treat these ailments soon so that they don’t lead to any more significant illness such as pneumonia.

What is the difference between the flu and a cold?
The flu is caused from a single family of viruses called the influenza viruses. The common cold is caused from over 200 viruses; the most common types are the rhinovirus a “nose virus” and the respiratory virus a “lung virus”. The cold virus spreads year round.

How can one tell the difference between cold and flu?
The flu virus is much more severe than a cold virus. The flu usually starts abruptly, and symptoms include a high fever (over ~102), body aches, cough, headache and remarkable fatigue. The common cold typically starts gradually, and usually involves multiple different symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, sore throat, post-nasal drip, cough, possible fever (typically not above 102) and some fatigue.

What are the best ways to avoid cold and flu?
Get your flu shot every year! Avoid touching your face. Avoid close contact with sick people (inhaling droplets from a cough or sneeze is the most common way to catch a flu or cold virus). Wash your hands frequently. While sick, avoid contact with others, if possible. Sneeze and cough into a tissue. Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with a virus. Get plenty of sleep every night, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

What is the best way to treat cold or flu?
Many people who get a viral cold or flu want instant relief, and they come into the clinic requesting antibiotics. Antibiotics will do nothing for a virus and should not be used. A cold or the flu will last about 10 days or longer; the best treatment is rest, drinking liquids and time.

When should one see a doctor?
Most people with the flu have mild symptoms, and do not need to seek medical care. If you are in a special high risk group, and you develop flu symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately. Certain people are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu (people over 65, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions, people with a weakened immune system, and infants). In general if you have flu symptoms, it’s better to stay at home and out of contact with other people.