Here is a great article on the difference between a regular cold and the flu. Since it's Flu Season, and sickle cell warriors are more susceptible to developing greater complications because of a flu, this is valuable information. No one wants to get acute chest syndrome..but something like the cold or flu can lead us down that slippery slope.
Please everyone...get your flu shot! I already got mine, and it saved me from catching whatever it was the hubby brought home last week. Wash your hands as often as possible, and carry hand sanitizer with you if possible. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! You can read the full, complete article HERE.
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
| Fever | Sometimes, usually mild | Usual; high (100-102 F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache | Occasionally | Common |
| General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usual; can last 2 to 3 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Usual; at the beginning of the illness |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
| Complications | Sinus congestion; middle ear infection | Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infection, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
| Prevention | Wash your hands often; avoid close contact with anyone with a cold | Wash your hands often; avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms; for seasonal flu, get the annual flu shot; ask your doctor about antiviral medicine for either seasonal or swine flu. |
| Treatment | Antihistamines; decongestants; anti-inflammatory medicines | Antihistamines, decongestants, analgesics (ibuprofen, acetaminophen); antiviral drugs within the first 48 hours of seasonal or swine flu symptoms; call your doctor for more information about treatment. |
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