Winter in New York City is not solely about dressing up in numerous layers to make the subway rides bearable. It is also the time of the year when cold and flu cases are at the highest, and the current year is no exception. The crowded streets, filled offices, schools, and busy public transport collectively act as the perfect environment for the respiratory viruses to easily migrate from one person to another.
Telling Them Apart
A cold tends to start . One day there may be a tickle in your throat and the next day you will have a runny nose all the time. Although the symptoms are annoying they are not severe—sneezing, stuffy nose and perhaps a slight cough. Most people can still go about their day even if they’re grabbing tissues .
The flu shows up in a different way. At times you may feel okay and then sudden onset of fever, aches and fatigue can leave you in bed. Usually, headaches, chills and a dry cough are the formidable trio to follow right afterward. Though both illnesses have viral origins, the flu strikes quicker and much more painfully.
Over the winter, COVID-19 is following its typical pattern by rising up and dominating the market in the cold months. The symptoms of flu and COVID-19—fever, fatigue, and cough—are very similar that it becomes quite challenging to distinguish one from the other without a test. In case of any respiratory symptoms, it is advisable to undergo a test and know the cause of your symptoms.
Prevention Still Helps
The flu vaccine is the most effective method of self-protection against influenza. Many individuals choose to skip it assuming that they can take a chance, however, the vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of infection. If you do happen to get the flu despite of the vaccination, the signs will be milder and the duration shorter.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial practice that people tend to overlook. Just a quick wash will not work. You should clean your hands with soap for least 20 seconds after coming into contact with places like subway poles or door handles. In urban areas such as New York, people are daily exposed to surfaces that are touched by innumerable other individuals.
If you’re not feeling well, staying home is smart for you and for everyone else. City life moves , and missing work can be tough. But going out while you’re sick spreads the illness to others, including those who are more at risk.
How Your Local Pharmacy Can Assist
You don’t need to see a doctor for most cold or flu symptoms. This is when your local New York City pharmacy becomes helpful. Based on your symptoms, pharmacists recommend appropriate non-prescription drugs. Moreover, they check the medicines for interactions with any of your current medications and for any prohibited substances.
Head to your pharmacy right after you notice symptoms if you want help to select appropriate treatments, if you are not certain which ones are safe , or if you would like a rapid test to determine if it is flu, COVID, or strep throat. Nowadays, plenty of pharmacies provide testing services that give fast results.
Sometimes, you need more help than what a pharmacy offers. If you experience difficulties in breathing, chest pain, persistent fever above 103°F, confusion , sleeping difficulties, or if your condition seems to improve but then gets worse, you must not hesitate a second and doctor visit is a must.
Children, elders, pregnant women , and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma or diabetes should visit the doctor sooner than later.
As winter approaches , part of the preparation is knowing the difference between a common cold and a serious illness. It also means taking steps to prevent illness without overthinking it and knowing where to turn when you’re not feeling well.
Pharmacies like St. Anthony Pharmacy give New Yorkers an extra option during cold and flu season. They go beyond just suggesting basic over-the-counter remedies. They also offer compounding services to create custom medication solutions for those with unique needs. This can be useful for people on Medicare who have specific health conditions. Local pharmacies mix convenience with expert care making it easier for you to handle the season .
FAQs
Q1. How long will I stay contagious if I have a cold or flu ?
If you suffer from a cold, it is during the first two or three days that your chances of transmitting the virus are the highest. However, you might still pass the virus for up to two weeks. In case of flu, you can exhale the virus a day prior to the appearance of the symptoms and about 5 to 7 days after. You can return to your normal activities once you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of any medication.
Q2. Can I get a flu shot if I’m sick ?
If your symptoms are mild and you don’t have a fever getting the flu shot is fine. But if you’re feeling or sick and have a fever , you should wait until you’re better. Ask your pharmacist to determine if it’s okay to get vaccinated or if you should book an appointment for a later time.
Q3. Do antibiotics cure colds or the flu ?
No. Colds and flu come from viruses, while antibiotics are effective against bacteria. Using antibiotics when they aren’t needed won’t speed up recovery and adds to antibiotic resistance . If a secondary bacterial issue like strep throat or pneumonia shows up then antibiotics are required.
