KaChoo! Is it a Cold or the Flu?

You know the feeling. It starts with a slight tickle in your throat, or the feeling that something “isn’t quite right.” Then…boom! You’re sick.

But how do you know if you have a common cold or the full-blown flu?

The flu typically comes on fast, while a cold can start slowly and gradually become worse. The symptoms of each condition are different, too.

Cold Symptoms

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Itchy throat
• Fatigue
• Mild cough

A cold typically lasts about three days, but congestion may continue a week or more. Sometimes cold complications develop, which can lead to sinus infections, bronchitis, ear infections or asthma attacks.

Flu Symptoms

• High fever
• Extreme muscle aching over your entire body
• Major fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Nasal discharge
• Dry cough
• Vomiting or stomach pain (in children)

Flu symptoms can last one to two weeks. Flu complications can lead to pneumonia, dehydration, sinus infections, ear infections, hospitalization or even death.

Whether you have the cold or flu, these illnesses can wipe you out and zap your strength. When you are sick, the last thing you want to worry about is fumbling for glasses to read medication bottles or make your way to the restroom in the middle of the night. Successful LASIK vision correction in Richmond can help to minimize – or even eliminate – those added discomforts when you are ill. LASIK works by using a laser to correct your specific refractive error that causes blurry vision at near, distant or all vision distances. If you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism in Richmond, LASIK might be right for you. 

It is estimated that between 5% - 20% of people in the United States get the flu every year, and it’s safe to say that a large majority of those people wear corrective lenses. Flu season starts in the fall and really gains strength in January and February. But this pesky virus can continue wreaking havoc well into the spring months.

The flu is spread when flu germ droplets land on you via coughs, sneezes or by touching a surface that is laced with the virus. These germ droplets can be anywhere: on shopping cart handles, school desks, phones, books, door handles, etc. The flu virus can live on hard surfaces up to eight hours! To minimize your risk of getting the flu, keep your distance from people who are sick, frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Your best defense against the flu? Get a flu vaccine! Seasonal flu vaccines work by causing antibodies to grow in the body two weeks after vaccination. This year’s vaccines protect against three types of viruses. The type of protection included in each year’s vaccination is different to keep up with the changing flu viruses. The flu vaccine is available as a flu shot or as a nasal spray. 

Your best defense against blurry vision caused by a refractive error? Get LASIK in Richmond at Lipstock! Our LASIK technology helps most patients achieve 20/20 vision, but the procedure is not right for everyone. Dr. Lipstock can determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK through a comprehensive eye exam.

Contact Lipstock LASIK & Cataract center today to schedule a free LASIK Consultation…before flu season knocks you down. You can call 804-288-1543 or schedule an appointment anytime day or night by visiting lipstocklaser.com.