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Colds and Flu

Colds and flu have some symptoms in common, and they're both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. But flu symptoms, which can include body aches, fever and fatigue, tend to be more severe and more dangerous.

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Types of Diseases

  • Common Cold
  • Flu

Colds and Flu Facts and Stats

Colds and flu are seasonal illnesses that afflict nearly every American each year. Here’s what you need to know.

  • Adults catch two to three colds a year on average, and children get even more. Colds are the main reason adults miss work and kids miss school.
  • You’re more likely to catch a cold in winter because that’s when you spend more time in indoors in confined areas. But the viruses that cause colds are always around, and you can catch a cold during any season.
  • Viruses also cause the flu, but it is a more serious illness and often comes with fever, body aches and fatigue. Hospitals see more than 200,000 people each year for complications from the flu.
  • People can spread the influenza virus a day before symptoms begin and up to five to seven days after getting sick.
  • No vaccine can prevent common colds, and there's no cure. The flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu by about 50 to 60 percent.

Patient Information

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Interested in becoming a Sutter patient? Here’s what you need to know about health plans, choosing a doctor and how to get started today.

 
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Caring for the Whole Family

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Family Medicine

Our network of family practice doctors specialize in care for the entire family, from birth to old age.

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For a fee, Sutter’s Concierge Medicine program offers 24-hour access to medical care.

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More Than a Cold

When your child’s every cold turns into an ear infection, it may be time to see a specialist.

Ask an Expert

Patricia Hockett

Patricia Hockett, M.D.

Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group

What is a good over-the-counter chest cold congestion medicine, for someone with high blood pressure?

While cold medications do not necessarily make a cold go away any more quickly, they can certainly ease some of the discomfort until it clears. There are numerous over-the-counter cold remedies that contain mul... continue reading  about  What is a good over-the-counter chest cold congestion medicine, for someone with high blood pressure?

Steven Rubinstein

Steven Rubinstein, M.D.

Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group

I feel a sore throat coming on. What can I do keep the condition from worsening?

If you feel a sore throat starting, this is usually a sign of a viral infection. To minimize symptoms, cool liquids/ice chips are quite helpful, although some people prefer warmer liquids. Gargling with salt wa... continue reading  about  I feel a sore throat coming on. What can I do keep the condition from worsening?

Health and Wellness

Protect Yourself from the Flu

Protect Yourself from the Flu

Take common-sense measures, like getting a flu shot, to ward off seasonal flu.

Protect Yourself from the Flu Protect Yourself from the Flu

Experts Who Partner With You

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The Sutter Health network provides primary care and pediatric specialists to help protect the health of your family. Find a family health expert close to home.

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