Colds and Flu

QUESTION:  How can I tell if it’s a cold or allergy? ANSWER:  A cold comes on slowly over six to eight hours. It often begins with a tickle in the throat. Sneezing starts and you begin to feel chilled, congested, and achy. Allergies start suddenly with sneezing and congestion. Body aches,…

QUESTION:  Can vitamin C prevent a cold? ANSWER:  In a word, no. Well-designed clinical trials have not shown that vitamin C can prevent colds. However, the same studies indicate that vitamin C may reduce the length of the symptoms and discomfort.

QUESTION: When does a cold become contagious? ANSWER:  In children, colds are contagious one to two days before symptoms. In adults, colds are spread once symptoms of sneezing develop. However, in the flu, both children and adults can spread the virus as much as two days before their symptoms.

QUESTION: Can you get reinfected with a cold? I seem to get better, then my son catches the cold. Next thing I know I’ve got a cough and fever again. ANSWER: There are two likely scenarios. The first is that you could be developing into sinusitis or bronchitis. Alternatively, your son may…

QUESTION: Should I exercise with a cold? ANSWER: I suggest that you do a “neck check.” If your symptoms are above your neck (e.g., sneezing, congestion, or sore throat) then it's okay to work out. But if you have symptoms below the neck, including cough, body aches, and chills, then take…

QUESTION: Does stress cause me to catch colds? ANSWER: Repeated studies have shown that stress depresses immunity and may increase the risk of developing infections. However, it's easy to tell you to relax and much harder to control stressful work and family relationships. In the peak season for colds and flu,…

QUESTION: Are cold sores caused by the same virus that causes colds? ANSWER: Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, not by one of the over 200 viruses that leads to colds. People infected with herpes simplex tend to have flare-ups when their immunity is lowered such as during illness…