Cold 101

During the winter season, you may have come down with a cold that seems a bit more severe than normal. Since the viruses that cause influenza and those that cause the common cold are related, it can be difficult to understand when your illness might require more significant treatment.

Influenza is unique from the common cold in its symptoms: fevers are generally higher, and you may also experience muscle aches that go well beyond traditional colds. If you feel that your immune system has been compromised, you may want to see a doctor within the first few days – that way you can be properly tested and diagnosed for your illness. Influenza is contagious, so make sure that you stay home from work or school for a few days after you’ve recovered. While you can get a flu vaccine in either a shot or nasal-spray (such as Flumist), this is a precautionary measure and will have no effect after contracting the illness.