I have Question for Common Cold Flu?
2 or 3 weeks ago, I had the common cold flu , and now i am doing much better. Now, do I have to take the flu shot or the swine flu shot? I can't have a fever to take the shot right? What is the vaccine shot, is that the regular flu shot or the Swine flu shot? Or is it different from those two shots? I heard when you get well from the flu, you should get the shot right away, is that right?
Posted by Paul
The common cold is a relatively mild illness compared with influenza. It consists of sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and a cough along with low-grade fever. You can usually function with a cold and still go to work.
The common cold is caused by a rhinovirus and sometimes a coronavirus. There are 200 different variants of these viruses, so that is why people don't seem to become immune. They do, but only to that particular strain of virus, but because it mutates so much, they can get it again and again. It is normal for children to get up to 12 colds a year and for adults it is 4 colds per year on average.
Influenza (the flu) is much more severe and is often accompanied by a high fever, chills, body aches and sometimes a headache. Usually someone with the flu doesn't feel like getting out of bed and often calls in sick to work, especially with swine flu.
99.9% of influenza cases at this time of year in the northern hemisphere is A/H1N1/09, also known as "swine flu".
Seasonal influenza (the usual flu that strikes every year in the winter months) is less severe since we all have partial (but not full) immunity.
Seasonal influenza consists of three different influenza viruses, which are type A (H3N2 and H1N1 <-- not the same as swine flu in this case) and type B. It is possible to get seasonal influenza three times in a typical flu season if you are not vaccinated. Seasonal influenza peaks in January and February, whereas swine flu is at epidemic (widespread) levels right now.
Do not get a vaccine if you are not feeling well. If you are not sure you have had H1N1 "swine flu", then wait until you feel well before getting vaccinated for swine flu. It is a nasal spray in the United States, so you shouldn't have to worry about needles. Do not receive the vaccine if you are allergic to eggs, since the vaccine is produced using chicken embryos.
You can also get vaccinated for seasonal influenza at the same time you receive the swine flu vaccination. Ask your doctor.
It takes two weeks after receiving the spray/shot for your body to produce antibodies, so during those two weeks after the shot you must still practice extra hygiene such as washing hands and avoiding obviously sick people and crowded places.
Talk to your doctor about getting the H1N1 "swine flu" nasal spray vaccine and seasonal influenza shot.
I hope you get better soon. Take care of yourself. Drink plenty of fluids, get bed rest and eat properly when you are sick to help boost your immune system and minimize the risk of complications.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments! Cold and Flu Basics - Cold and Flu Center - Gocoldflu.info
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