You may find yourself reaching for kleenex and a thermometer this fall, a sure sign that cold and flu seasons are back.
As temperatures begin to drop, the illnesses will begin to spread. But you can help protect your health by getting vaccinated this season, experts say.
Here’s what to know about the illnesses cause by viruses.
When does the flu season start?
The flu season begins in the fall, typically in October, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Flu season tends to peak in the winter months, between December and February, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What causes the flu?
The flu is a common respiratory illness you get from the influenza virus, the Cleveland Clinic said.
How long does the flu season last?
Flu season lasts into the spring, usually slowing in May, per the Cleveland Clinic. Influenza viruses can spread year-round.
When does cold season start?
Cold season begins in the fall, typically in late August or early September, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
What causes the common cold?
A cold is caused by any one of several viruses that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat, Johns Hopkins said, adding that it can result from any one of more than 200 different viruses. Rhinoviruses cause most colds.
How long does cold season last?
Cold season typically runs through the spring, lasting until March or April, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.
What’s the difference between a cold and the flu?
The common cold is an infection of the nose and throat. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, fatigue, watery eyes, headaches and sneezing.
The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by a different virus. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, cough and headaches.
Though symptoms of the illnesses are similar, key differences set them apart. The two illnesses develop at different rates, with colds often beginning slowly and the flu taking effect more quickly. Colds are typically a mild illness, while the flu can become severe and, in some cases, deadly.
What’s the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?
The flu shares similarities with COVID-19, another respiratory illness, but some symptoms set them apart.
The two illnesses are both contagious and feature similar symptoms, according to the CDC. However, the flu is caused by the influenza virus, while COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus.
Flu symptoms may appear within one to four days of infection, while COVID-19 symptoms may appear up to 14 days after infection. COVID-19 can be contagious for longer than the flu and may include more severe complications.
Who should get the flu shot?
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu. Those at higher risk for the flu include:
When should you get the flu shot?
The earlier the better for the flu shot, health experts recommend. Individuals should get vaccinated against influenza by the end of October, according to the CDC.
Where can you get the flu shot?
Check with your local pharmacy, doctor’s office or health department to set up your flu shot. Many health care providers offer walk-in or appointments.
How much does the flu shot cost?
The flu shot may be free or low cost with most insurance options.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Cold, flu seasons are hitting Michigan this fall. Here’s how to protect your health.
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
