Comparison of Common Cold and Influenza
Symptom Onset
Common Cold: Appear Gradually Influenza: Abrupt onset. Within 3 to 6 hr
Headache
Common Cold: Uncommon Influenza: Common (can be severe)
exhaustion
Common Cold: Uncommon Influenza: Usual at beginning of illness
Fever
Common Cold: rare influenza: characteristically high 102-104 F (38-40 C). Lasts 3-4 days
General Aches and pain
Common Cold: slight Influenza: Usual. Often severe
Fatigue and weakness exhaustion
Common Cold: uncommon Influenza: Usually starts early and can last up to 2-3 wk
sore throat
Common cold: common Influenza: sometimes
stuffy nose
Common cold: common Influenza: sometimes
chest discomfort, cough
Common cold: common. mild to moderate hacking cough Influenza: Common
best time for flu vaccinations
September (before flu exposure) takes 2 weeks for full protection
prevention
common cold: hand washing, avoid close contract with anyone who has a cold influenza: hand washing. annual vaccination. antiviral drugs. avoid close contact with anyone who has the flu
complications
common cold: sinus congestion. earache influenza: bronchitis, pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, can be life threatening
treatment
common cold: temporary relief of symptoms: rest, hydration, decongestants, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches, aches, and pains influenza: antiviral drugs if given within 24-48 hr of onset. rest, hydration, acetaminophen or ibuprofen of headaches, aches, and pains.
rapid flu test
detected in nasal secretion get results within 30 minutes
flu: primary nursing goals
relief of symptoms prevention of secondary infection
viral cultures
results take 3-10 days obtained from throat swag, nasopharyngeal swag, expectorated sputum, ET tube sample, bronchoscopy
reactions to receiving flu vaccine
soreness at the injection site
flu medications
zanamivir (Relenza): inhaler oseltamivir (Tamiflu): oral capsule peramivir (Rapivab): IV drugs prevents virus from being released and spreading to other cells.
