Cold, Flu and Sore Throat
Cold, Flu, Sore Throat and College Students
Most college students will catch a cold, flu or suffer a sore throat at some point in their academic careers. But did you know in 2006 according to the NCHA (National College Health Assessment) 19.4 % of students at the University of Utah suffered academically from one of the above ailments? That is almost one in five! Most college students are just trying to survive their latest exam or new relationship and do not pay attention to these “minor” health issues. But with this big of an impact in academics its time to take a closer look at cold, flu and sore throats to see how students can avoid them.
What are Cold, Flu and Sore Throat?
Let’s start with the most common illness for college students, colds. A cold may last for about one week, but some colds can last longer, especially for those in poor health. In the United States, colds account for more visits to the doctor than any other condition. Adults get an average of two to four colds per year, mostly between September and May. Colds are caused by viruses and antibiotics will not help. Symptoms of the common cold usually begin 2-3 days after infection with the virus and last from 2-14 days.
Signs and Symptoms for Cold:
- Nasal Stuffiness
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Sore Throat
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is caused by a virus which antibiotics will not help, unless the person develops a secondary bacterial infection. The symptoms will usually occur abruptly. A person with the flu often experiences a "knocked-off-your-feet" feeling with muscle aches in the back and legs and a high fever (up to 104 ° F). The fever typically begins to subside on the second or third day. Most people experience a bad headache. Many will develop a cough (which is usually dry and can be severe) and chest pain.
Signs and Symptoms for Flu
- Symptoms like the Cold
- Fever
- Body aches
- Hacking Cough
A sore throat is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. A sore throat often makes it difficult and painful to swallow. Sore throats are a common occurrence. In most cases the throat soreness is worse in the morning and will improve as the day progresses. Like colds, the vast majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections. This means most sore throats will also not respond to antibiotics. Many people have a mild sore throat at the beginning of every cold. When the nose or sinuses become infected, drainage can run down the back of the throat and irritate it, especially at night, or the throat itself can be infected. A sore throat is less likely to be strep throat if it is a minor part of a typical cold.
Signs and Symptoms for Sore Throat (that should be seen by a Doctor)
- Lasts longer than a week
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Temperature higher than 103 degrees F
- Pus at the back of the throat
How can a college student treat the Cold, Flu and Sore Throat?
