We’re coming up on that time of the year…every year we are faced with the dreaded flu season.

While cold viruses are present year-round and peak shortly after school begins, influenza or the flu, typically arrives later in November and peaks from late December through early March.

It is estimated that as many as 20 percent of the U.S. population will get the flu each year. Most people will recover in one to two weeks, but some people develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia. The elderly, newborns and people with certain chronic illnesses are particularly susceptible to complications.

Is it a cold or the flu?

On any given day, you are exposing yourself to bacteria, viruses and fungus in the workplace, at school, through public transportation and even through contact with your family members. Determining if you have caught a cold or the flu can be tricky, but there are some differences in symptoms that can help you get to the doctor in a timely manner. • Fever with the flu can last for three or four days. Fever with a cold is rare in adults and older children.

• With the flu, headaches can appear suddenly and be severe. Headache is rare with a cold.

• Muscle aches can be severe with the flu, but are mild with a cold.

• Tiredness and weakness is often extreme with the flu and can last two or more weeks. Generally, with a cold a person only has mild tiredness and weakness.

• Extreme exhaustion can occur with the flu and appear suddenly. It does not occur with a cold.

• Runny nose, sneezing and sore throat are often a cold symptom, and only sometimes a flu symptom.

• While cough with the flu can become severe, a cold has a mild hacking cough.

If any of your symptoms seem like the flu, get in touch with your doctor right away. A test can be given during the first few days after the symptoms begin to confirm illness.

Heartland of Oregon offers these basic steps to help keep you and your loved ones from getting the flu:

• Get a flu shot

• Make sure you get plenty of rest

• Wash your hands

• Keep your immune system strong

Heartland of Oregon, located at 3953 Navarre Ave, Oregon 43616 is part of the HCR ManorCare family.

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