Q.     What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they   are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.

Q.     How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?

Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can be carried out to tell if a person has the flu.

Q.     How soon will I get sick if I am exposed to the flu?

The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus to when symptoms begin is about one to four days, with an average of about two days.

Q.     How long is a person with flu virus contagious?

The period when an infected person is contagious depends on the age and health of the person. Studies show that most healthy adults may be able to infect others from one day prior to becoming sick and for five days after they first develop symptoms. Some young children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer than a week.

Q.     Should I come to work with a fever?

No! Working with the flu or other contagious conditions puts our co-workers at risk. Whether it is the cold, flu or another virus, employees should not be at work with a fever. In general, you should return to work 24 hours after the fever has subsided.

Q.     How do I get more information on the flu?

You can visit the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm or Novant's newly launched web site for flu www.noflu.org.