The winter season can be difficult to navigate when there is the risk of developing one of three respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, or pneumonia. All three of these illnesses share similar symptoms but are all different and range from mild to severe.
The common cold is the least serious of the three respiratory illnesses, as it presents milder symptoms. Common cold symptoms include:
- Mild cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Congestion
When a person is suffering from the common cold, they will usually feel run-down for a couple of days and are able to treat their symptoms with over-the-counter remedies such as cough syrup and cold medications.
Unlike a cold, the flu or influenza hits hard and fast, with more intense symptoms usually beginning more suddenly than a cold. Symptoms of the flu include:
- A high, sudden fever
- A stuffy nose
- A dry cough
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Extreme fatigue
- Chills and sweats
- Lack of appetite
A flu vaccine is available to help prevent an infection from the flu virus, as well as medications that can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
Pneumonia is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection, with the illness and its symptoms being more severe than the cold or flu. Symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Chest pains that increase when you cough
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- High fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to breathe deeply
- Chills
- Extreme and weakening fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Clammy skin and frequent sweating
Bacterial and viral pneumonia are treatable with antibiotics and antivirals, respectively. Pneumonia can be very serious and even life-threatening for the elderly, very young children, and those with chronic lung conditions. Vaccines for pneumonia are available for high-risk patients.
Preventing respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, flu, or pneumonia requires taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of developing and/or spreading these infections, including:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Avoiding contact with individuals who are sick with any of these respiratory illnesses
- Getting your annual flu vaccination
- Getting vaccinated with the pneumococcal and Hib vaccines if you are in an at-risk group
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu, or pneumonia, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.