The common cold and the flu have many similar symptoms, but they are different conditions. According to FamilyDoctor.org, the symptoms that develop from a cold surface slowly, while the symptoms that develop from the flu typically appear suddenly and are generally worse than the symptoms from a cold. There are, though, common steps you can take to help prevent catching a cold or the flu.
Wash Hands and Use Tissues
Wash your hands often to avoid the spread of germs. Also, getting family members and other people in your life to wash their hands helps them from catching a cold or the flu and passing it on to you. Tissues should be used when sneezing, and these tissues should be immediately thrown out and your hands should be washed. If a tissue is not available, coughs and sneezes should be directed into the bend of an elbow, thereby covering the mouth. Family members should be encouraged to follow these guidelines.
Avoid Sharing and Stay Away From Sick People
Drinking glasses and eating utensils should not be shared among family members. Glasses and utensils should be washed after use and put away so that family members know these have been washed. If someone such as a child in the home has a cold or the flu, that person's drinking glass can be labeled so that everyone knows whose glass it is. People who have symptoms of having a cold or the flu should be kept away until those symptoms go away. If this is not possible because of an employment situation, keep as much distance as possible between them and you.
Other Tips
Surfaces in the home such as countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms should be kept washed, especially if there is someone in the household who has the flu or a cold. If there are children in the home, the toys should also be washed after use. If there is a child in the home who needs daycare, choose a daycare center that has a clear policy of not allowing children to stay in the center while they have cold or flu symptoms. Get a seasonal flu shot to help avoid getting seasonal flu.
