FAQs

COLD OR FLU

How They Start

Though colds and flus share many symptoms, there are differences between them. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, while the leading cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus. There are over 100 strains of rhinoviruses (“rhino” means nose).

How They’re Treated

Since colds and flus are caused by different viruses, each illness requires a different solution. Being prepared for both is in your family’s best interest. Medical experts annually select the flu strains to put into a vaccine. Getting this flu shot is your best bet at protecting your family against the flu.

At the first sign of a cold, take Zicam® Cold Remedy. When taken within the first 24 to 48 hours, Zicam® Cold Remedy is made with zinc to shorten the duration of your cold.

Check Your Symptoms

SYMPTOMS COLD FLU
Fever Rare Characteristic, high (102-104°F); lasts 3-4 days
Headache Rare Prominent
General aches, pains Slight Usual; often severe
Fatigue, weakness Quite mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme exhaustion Never Early and prominent
Stuffy nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Sore throat Common Sometimes
Chest discomfort Mild to moderate; Common, cough hacking cough can become severe
Complications Sinus congestion Bronchitis, pneumonia, or earache can be life-threatening
Prevention None Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines – see your doctor
Treatment Only temporary Antiviral medicines – relief of symptoms see your doctor

Did You Know?

Cold facts

  • Cold germs can survive for up to 3 hours outside of the body
  • There are more than 200 viruses that can cause a cold
  • Colds are more common during seasonal changes when humidity is low
  • Americans suffer from over 1 billion colds each year

Flu facts

  • Over 200,000 people are hospitalized annually due to flu complications
  • Nearly 36,000 Americans die from flu-related causes every year
  • The flu can spread by carriers prior to showing symptoms
  • The 2009 H1N1 virus caused the first influenza pandemic in more than 40 years

Staying Healthy

Cold and flu viruses are spread in a variety of ways, most often by hand-to-hand contact. To reduce your chance of catching one of these viruses, Zicam suggests the following:

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after being exposed to viruses or bacteria
  • Frequently clean surfaces such as computer keyboards, refrigerator door handles, stair rails, telephones, counter tops and doorknobs to avoid the spread of viruses
  • Promote strong immune function by switching from coffee to tea, eating garlic liberally, and adding yogurt to your diet
  • Drink lots of water, which flushes toxins out of your body while re-hydrating your system

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