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Diagnosis methods for cold & flu

Diagnosing a cold or the flu (influenza) usually begins with a physician performing a thorough medical history that includes a description of symptoms, as well as their duration and severity. A physical examination is often necessary. For example, the presence of nasal secretions can be obvious upon examination and may indicate the presence of a viral infection. Examination of the ears, nose or throat may indicate the presence of a cold or the flu – or may indicate the presence of another condition responsible for the symptoms. In the latter case, additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions (e.g., strep throat, asthma, allergies).

Additional tests that can rule out other conditions may include a throat culture, in which the physician uses a long cotton swab to collect a tiny tissue sample from inside the throat. A nasal smear (analysis of nasal excretions under a microscope) or blood tests may also be used. Examination of the ears during the physical examination can help identify an ear infection (otitis media). Tests may be used to identify complications of a cold or the flu, such as sinusitis and pneumonia.
Consulting a physician may not be necessary for mild cases of cold or the flu.

Treatment options for cold & flu

There is no cure for the common cold or flu (influenza). Most treatment remedies focus on reducing or eliminating symptoms.

There is some controversy surrounding the treatment of cold or flu symptoms in children. Symptom relief is based on the assumption that medications that work to alleviate symptoms in adults will have similar effects in children. However, this has not been validated since young children are unable to adequately assist in measuring the effectiveness of medications in clinical studies.

When using medications to treat children, parents must be careful to administer the proper dosage (based on age and size) and proper type of medication for the symptoms that are present. In addition, all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) have side effects that can be dangerous for young children. Parents should consult with their child’s pediatrician to weigh the possible benefits of certain medications against potential side effects. Prolonged use of medications should be avoided and medications should only be administered to a child under the close supervision of a parent or guardian.

In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved the use of over-the-counter cold and flu medications in children older than 2 years old. In children younger than age 2, studies have concluded that such medications are not effective in relieving cold or flu symptoms and, in some cases, can be unsafe and even life-threatening for this population.

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections (e.g., colds, the flu). Yet, every year, millions of people visit the physician for diagnosis or treatment of the common cold. Some of these visits result in prescriptions for antibiotics that do not relieve cold or flu symptoms.

The following medications may provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. However, parents should consult with a physician before treating their child with any of the following:

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      Nasal decongestants. These drugs shrink nasal passages and help reduce nasal congestion. They are available in pills, drops or spray form, although sprays are not approved for use in children under 2 years old. Side effects include central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, hypertension and irritability.

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      Antihistamines. These medications dry up mucus to help stop a runny nose. Only antihistamines that have a sedative effect (first-generation antihistamines) reduce cold symptoms – non-sedating antihistamines (second-generation antihistamines) have no effect on cold symptoms. This appears to be due to the drug’s anticholinergic (anti-spasmatic) properties. Side effects of antihistamines include sedation, nasal irritation and bleeding.

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      Mild analgesics. Pain medications that help relieve fever, sore throat, muscle aches and headaches. This includes acetaminophen, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) and aspirin – although the use of aspirin in children with a viral infection should be avoided, due to an increased risk of Reye syndrome. NSAIDs are approved for use in children 6 months and older, but should never be given to children who are dehydrated or vomiting continuously.

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      Bronchodilator therapy. May be used to expand the airways – aiding breathing when congestion or mucus buildup is severe – or to treat a persistent cough.

Expectorants (drugs that thin mucus for ease in coughing it up) are not an effective anti-cough remedy. Antitussives (drugs designed to reduce coughing) are not necessarily effective. Some studies have indicated that a placebo (an inactive material, such as a sugar pill, usually used for research purposes) actually worked better than certain over-the-counter medications designed to reduce coughing. Antitussives should never be used if a child is coughing up mucus.

In the case of the flu, a physician may prescribe antiviral drugs to reduce or eliminate symptoms in patients with a high risk of complications (e.g., infants ages 12 months to 23 months). These must be administered within 48 hours of symptom appearance, and may only work against a certain type of flu. Some may be administered as a preventive remedy as well as a treatment.

Other remedies that may ease the symptoms of a cold include:

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      Saline nose drops. Saltwater drops into the nostrils. These drops can aid nasal congestion by loosening mucus and moistening the tender skin in the nose.

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      Blowing the nose. This is the best way to get rid of mucus.

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      Gargling with warm salt water. May ease a sore throat. Very young children may not be able to do this (gargle without swallowing).

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      Petroleum jelly under the nose. May soothe skin that is irritated from mucus and constant rubbing with tissues.

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      Hard candy or cough drops. May soothe a sore throat, but should only be used in children over the age of 3 years. They may pose a choking hazard in younger children.

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      Warm bath, heating pads. Can help soothe aching muscles sometimes associated with colds and the flu.

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      Steam. Sitting in a bathroom full of steam from a hot shower may help the child breathe easier.

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      Cool-mist humidifier. Adds moisture to the air, without the risk of skin burns (as with a warm- or hot-air humidifier). This makes breathing easier (if symptoms include nasal congestion) and may soothe a scratchy throat and itchy eyes.

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      Chicken soup. The warmth of chicken soup can help a sore throat feel better. Also, chicken soup contains an amino acid called cysteine, which has mucus-thinning properties. Some research has shown that chicken soup may help control certain white blood cells called neutrophils that can cause congestion.

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      Plenty of liquids. Fluids (e.g., water, fruit juices, broth) help prevent dehydration as the result of fever and mucus production. Also, when children have a stuffy nose, they may breathe through their mouth, resulting in a loss of fluids when their mouth or throat becomes dry. Warm fluids may be particularly soothing on a sore throat, and can help clear mucus.

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      Avoiding caffeinated beverages. Drinks that contain caffeine (e.g., some sodas, iced tea) should be avoided since they increase urination and may increase the risk of dehydration.

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      Avoiding cigarette smoke. Inhaling smoke (whether from smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke) can worsen cold or flu symptoms.

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      Wearing layers. Layered clothing that is easy to take off and put on can help a patient become comfortable as they alternate between being hot and cold during a cold or the flu. 

Strengthening the body’s immune system can help lessen symptoms when a person is exposed to a virus. This includes getting plenty of rest, eating a balanced diet and getting adequate exercise.   
Some home remedies have focused on the theory of “feed a cold, starve a fever.” Parents are advised to allow children to eat when hungry, regardless of whether the infection is due to a cold or flu virus.

Prevention methods for cold & flu

There is no way to prevent a cold once exposed to the virus. Some strains of flu (influenza) may be prevented via vaccine and certain medications. People with a cold or flu are encouraged to stay home, rest and avoid passing the infection to others.

One of the easiest ways to prevent transmission of a cold or flu virus is by practicing good hygiene. This includes washing one’s hands after coughing or sneezing, or after coming into contact with a person with a viral infection. It is also important to cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. The spread of a virus can also be prevented by not sharing items such as towels, eating utensils, bottles or beverage containers with others. Tissues should be promptly disposed of after use, and hands should be washed after handling used tissues.

It may be difficult to completely avoid contact with infected persons. Some people with viral infections may be contagious before any signs of illness appear – although people are most contagious during the first two to four days after symptoms appear, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Some people may continue to be contagious for up to three weeks. 

Controversy surrounds some popular over-the-counter medications believed to help prevent viral infection. Parents should consult their child’s pediatrician before providing any herbal remedies or exceeding the recommended daily allowance of any vitamin or supplement. These controversial preventive methods include:

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      Vitamin C. There is no conclusive evidence that vitamin C prevents viral infections.

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      Zinc. Studies have shown inconsistent results – anywhere from no change to dramatic benefits – from the use of zinc on cold or flu symptoms.

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      Echinacea. The effectiveness of Echinacea to prevent viral infections has not been adequately studied. The lack of a standard formula within commercial products containing Echinacea makes it difficult to scientifically evaluate.

Because fewer varieties of flu viruses exist than cold viruses, a vaccine is available for the flu. Every year, a flu vaccine is developed to prevent three specific strains of flu expected to occur that year. The vaccine is usually given as a shot in the upper arm. This exposes patients to dead flu viruses, helping the body to develop an immunity or resistance to those particular viruses. It may also help those who contract different strains of the flu to have less severe symptoms. Side effects of the flu shot include soreness where the shot was provided, muscle aches and fever.

The vaccine is also available in nasal spray form, sometimes referred to as LAIV (live attenuated influenza vaccine). This is because it contains live but weakened flu viruses. Side effects of the nasal spray vaccine include a runny nose, headache, cough and sore throat.

Flu vaccines are considered 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing the flu caused by the specific strains contained in the vaccine in healthy people under the age of 65 years, according to the AAFP. Protection lasts for one year, since viruses are constantly changing and new strains must be identified for inclusion in the vaccine.

It is not possible to contract the flu from the vaccine. Flu vaccines are usually provided in the fall, although they may be obtained any time during the flu season (November through April). It can take one to two weeks for the body to build up immunity to the flu viruses contained in the vaccine. Parents should check with their child’s pediatrician before getting a vaccine for their child.

Flu vaccines are recommended for the following groups who are at risk of complications as a result of the flu:

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      Caregivers and parents of infants less than 6 months old. Colds and the flu can be dangerous to very young children, since these viral infections may quickly develop into more serious conditions (e.g., pneumonia) in this population.

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      Young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children ages 6 months to 59 months old receive a flu shot every year. Nasal spray vaccines are not recommended for children under the age of 5 years old.

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      Children and teens on chronic aspirin therapy. It is recommended that all children (age 6 months to 18 years) who take aspirin regularly receive the flu shot, because of the risk of Reye syndrome. The nasal spray is not recommended for this population.

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      Adults and children ages 6 months and older with any of the following chronic health conditions:

          o Weakened immune systems.
          o Heart or lung disorders, including asthma.
          o Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease and hemoglobin (a protein component of red blood cells that gives blood its color) abnormalities.
    * Older adults (65 years and older). It is recommended that this age group receive the flu shot (not nasal spray) vaccine.
    * Pregnant women. The flu shot is safe and recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. But, they should not receive the nasal spray form.
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      Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

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      Healthcare workers.

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      Anyone living with lots of other people (e.g., large families, shelters after a natural disaster).

Anyone with the following conditions should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting with a physician:

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      Allergy to eggs (flu vaccines are grown inside eggs)

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      Allergy to prior flu shots

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      Moderate or severe illness with a fever

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      History of Guillain-Barre syndrome (a rare, acute illness causing progressive muscular weakness and difficulty breathing)

If flu vaccines are in short supply (usually the result of distribution delays rather than an actual shortage), the CDC may recommend that certain high-risk populations get the shot first. 
Antiviral medications may also be used to prevent certain types of flu. Generally, these are used in conjunction with a flu vaccine, especially among high-risk populations.

reference:http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com