Friday, November 6, 2009

Sickle Cell vs the Flu and Cold

Hey everyone, thanks to all the people who have joined the SCW fan page on Facebook. It's another great way to connect.

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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