Quick Protection Tips

Know When It Could Be Pneumonia

Fifty percent of all cases of pneumonia are caused by a viral infection, which cannot be cured by an antibiotic. However, another type of pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection that can be treated with an antibiotic. Either way, watch for these two symptoms: chest pain that gets more severe as you breathe, and high fever that causes excessive chills or sweating.⁵ Pneumonia is a serious respiratory illness. If you think you or a family member might have pneumonia, consult a doctor immediately.

⁵ The American Lung Association

Know How Often Colds Might Stop In

It is estimated that adults will suffer two to four colds per year, and children could suffer up to 10 colds annually.⁴In fact, on average, people have a cough or cold for 2-1/2 years of their lives.

⁴ Common Cold, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Retrieved 21 May 2009.

Follow Hand-Washing Basics

Hand-washing is so important that the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made official guidelines!. The CDC advises you to wash with soap and warm water, while scrubbing vigorously for at least 15 seconds.

Know When to Wash Your Hands

To help prevent the spread of cold and flu germs, wash your hands at the following times: after petting an animal, after using any AddThisd gym equipment, and before and after eating, treating a cut, removing your contacts, and touching doors in high-traffic areas.⁹

⁹ The Mayo Clinic

Be Aware That a Flu Vaccine Won’t Protect You from a Cold

Getting a flu vaccination before flu season protects only against the pathogens of influenza. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination for the common cold. The best method of prevention is maintaining a healthy immune system.

Use Antibiotics Sparingly

Unless you’re diagnosed with a bacterial infection, avoid asking a doctor to prescribe antibiotics for cold or flu symptoms. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral infections such as cold and flu viruses. Also, the overuse of antibiotics can give rise to antibiotic-resistant germs.

Be Patient; We Get Well Gradually

Generally speaking, a normal cold or flu lasts around five to seven days.¹⁷ On these occasions, use Vicks® over-the-counter cold, cough, and flu medicines to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. However, if you don’t start to feel better after a week, experts recommend that you seek medical attention.

¹⁷ U.S. Food and Drug Administration