They are often used in offices as a departure

This is a cold, flu or pneumonia? Gail Carlson, MPH, Ph.D., Continuing Medical Education

, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia

Your head aches, watery eyes, sore muscles and your cough worsens

. You feel like to get into bed, turning on

evaporator and taking it to relieve symptoms. But

that is going to do the trick? Colds, flu and pneumonia >> << can have similar symptoms. Taking one for the other can mean

serious complications. The table below is a summary of the three diseases often

seen during the winter months colds, flu and bacterial pneumonia >>. << Viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases are

around all year. People are more likely in winter, for

they spend more time inside and in closer contact with other people >>. << Colds are upper respiratory tract infection >>. << This is the virus. Actually have 200 viruses that can cause >> << to cold. On average, adults have 2 to 4 colds >> << year and children will be from 4 to 8. The cold almost always starts with

tickle in the throat and nasal congestion. Gradually other symptoms

sneezing, mild sore throat, sometimes minor >> << headache and cough. Undead is a common feature of colds. In >> << On the other hand, fever is common in adults. In young children, fever

- can occur but usually last only a few days. Colds usually

spread from hand to hand contact with another patient or a cold

Exchange objects such as utensils, towels and telephone. Influenza infection of the nose, throat, bronchial tubes >> << and lungs caused by influenza viruses A and B. Influenza

easily airborne droplets when sneezing and coughing. Fever, chills, headache, achy muscles

tired and everything seems to come at once when you

, flu. Children may experience vomiting and diarrhea >> << but is not common in adults. Typically, when adults do these types

symptoms were exhibited some other viruses or bacteria

Pneumonia is an infection of the bronchi and small

. air sacs in the lungs. Pneumonia is usually caused by viruses or bacteria

Bacterial pneumonia is a serious and can be fatal. Usually

. people who have bacterial pneumonia, very sick. Symptoms begin

suddenly with severe chills and high fever. This infection usually

following a cold or flu. Man begins to feel better, then

symptoms suddenly worsen. Medical professionals usually prescribe antibiotics

to treat pneumonia. Persons at risk of developing pneumonia

are children aged four years, the elderly, and persons with

conditions jeopardize their immune systems, such >> << like diabetes, asthma, cancer or AIDS. If you do not have other health problems, wait a while before

to your doctor if you order strattera suspect that you have a cold. Antibiotics

does not help and will not be new antiviral drugs. Try

treatment at home first. Get plenty of rest. Drink plenty of fluids. Use a humidifier to add moisture in the house. If you decide to accept more >> << counter medications to relieve symptoms. If the flu strikes, treatment at home is also a good approach to

healthy adults. Several years ago it was the only option. Today

There are antiviral drugs available, but they should be taken

for two days on set of symptoms to be effective. Antiviral drugs

DONT cure flu, but may make less severe symptoms. They are often used in offices as a departure

buildings and hospitals. Your doctor can help you decide

or should take antiviral medications. Like all drugs

they have side effects. Shots recommended to prevent influenza infection

, Flu nasal spray vaccine using live attenuated influenza cells

and is recommended for use in healthy people aged 5-50. Your health provider can help you determine whether it

. good option for you. If you can not get a flu shot, getting shot pneumonia can protect

you from this potentially serious complications of influenza. His

single shot for those aged 65 and older. Young people

with heart and lung disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system should

also get this shot. Check your child's doctor if you are not sure your child has been vaccinated. While there are no guarantees, there are other things you can

do to reduce your chances of getting sick:

eat wholesome food, more rest, exercise and learn

manage your stress. If you are generally good health, your immune system

better to fight the disease. Wash your hands often, especially around

people with colds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread

when you touch that dirty >> << sprouts, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

Avoid close contact with sick people. Stay home >> << when you are sick. Store away from other

protect them sick too. San dishes, toys, equipment and furniture. This can help reduce the

. spreading colds in your home and thereby reduce the risk of >> << more serious complications like pneumonia. If, despite all your efforts, you are sick, take care of themselves. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and pay attention to your symptoms

If home treatment does not help or if symptoms worsen

after they seemed to be getting better, contact your doctor

provider. This article provides general information for educational purposes >>. Follow the advice << your doctor, his or her

. individualized advice to your situation. Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2004) Basic facts about

Flu: how to prevent flu and what to do if you get sick (the facts), Department of Health and Human Services. Mettler M, Camper DW (2003)

Herbs for life. Bosie Idaho:

Medical Federal National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (2001)

cold. National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (2001)

pneumococcal pneumonia. National Institutes of Health. Department of Health and Human Services

American Academy of Family Physicians (2004), influenza and colds

: Tips on feeling better. Vickery DM, Fries, JF (1996)

Take care of yourself. Reading

MA: Perseus Books