As the cold and flu season approaches, many of us will do what we can to fend off being sick. However, it seems that some are just more prone to illnesses than others, but why? Is there anything that accounts for the difference, or is there something more at play?
“That’s the million-dollar question,” said Farrah Hafeez, D.O., a family medicine physician at Henry Ford Health. “Researchers are exploring why some people are more susceptible to cold and flu viruses. While we don’t have all the answers, we believe that your environment, genetics and immune system play a key role in determining your risk for these illnesses.”
Understanding cold and flu viruses
Both colds and flu are viral infections that impact the respiratory system. They affect the nose, throat, airways and lungs. Many people experience at least one cold each year, while the flu typically only infects someone about every few years.
Common cold symptoms, which often develop gradually, can include:
- Cough and sore throat.
- A temperature (around 100 to 101 degrees)
- Headaches and muscle aches.
- Nasal congestion.
- Watery eyes.
While flu symptoms can look much like cold symptoms, they come on much faster and become more severe.
Other viruses like COVID-19 can cause distinct respiratory infections and can be accompanied by the loss of smell or taste.
Major risks of cold and flu
Everyone is different in their susceptibility to contracting the flu or a cold. Factors can include:
- Environment: If you are close to someone infected, it can heighten your risk. When you touch contaminated surfaces or inhale air particles from coughs and sneezes, it can lead to infection.
- Genetics: “Researchers believe that genetics may play a bigger role in our risk for infection,” Hafeez said. There are genetic traits that can provide protection, while others might make you more susceptible.
- Immune system: The immune system is made up of various cells, tissues and organs that help fend off infections. Conditions that affect the immune’s function can influence your risk of contracting illnesses. A healthy immune system, bolstered by past exposures to viruses, can offer some protection against future infections.
“Investigators are studying the mechanisms that make us sick and how these factors come together to increase risk or protect against illnesses like cold and flu,” Hafeez said.
She added that these factors could also affect the risk for other viruses like COVID-19.
“Some data suggests that individuals have naturally acquired COVID-19 immunity from previous infections with common cold and coronaviruses. Other research shows that people with higher levels of T cells (immune cells) are less likely to develop COVID-19. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine may also reduce the risk for infection.”
[COVID-19 vaccines are available at Henry Ford Health primary care sites. Click or tap here to find a location near you.]
Preventing cold and flu
To reduce your risk of infection this season, Hafeez recommended to:
- Avoid touching your face, especially after contact with commonly touched surfaces.
- Clean and disinfect areas that are frequently shared.
- Vaccinate against the flu early in the season.
- Prioritize self-care. This includes eating healthy, as well as getting exercise and sufficient sleep.
- Wash your hands regularly to limit the spread of germs.
Choosing over-the-counter medication
“There is no cure for the common cold, but you can find relief from discomfort by getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids and using over-the-counter medications,” Hafeez said.
If you suspect you might have a cold or flu, it can be daunting to figure out which over-the-counter medicine might work best to attack your illness.
Dr. Abigail Entz, a primary care physician at Henry Ford Health, said it’s important to find one that will target your specific symptoms.
“Follow the directions on the label,” she said. “And check with your pharmacist to ensure the medicine you choose won’t interact with any medications you’re taking for chronic medical conditions.”
Entz recommended to take a cold medicine if the illness prevents you from doing your daily activities or sleeping at night.
These over-the-counter medications can target different symptoms:
- Antihistamines: Effective for allergy symptoms, but some may cause drowsiness.
- Cough suppressants: Helps to block the impulse to cough for the short term.
- Decongestants: These are available in various forms and will help to relieve nasal congestion. Nasal sprays and pseudoephedrine -- a common oral decongestant sold as Sudafed -- will both shrink inflammation in the nasal tissue. Pseudoephedrine requires identification to purchase.
- Expectorants: Help loosen mucus to clear airways.
- Pain relievers: Help manage aches and pains.
When you use cold medicines, it’s imperative that it be done safely. Entz said you should:
- Avoid alcohol, as when mixed with cold and allergy medicines, it can cause drowsiness.
- Talk to your pharmacist about medications you’re already taking. Some cold medicines can affect people with high blood pressure or those who take certain supplements.
- Follow the instructions and do not exceed the recommended dose.
In addition to medications, don’t overlook basic care strategies that can aid in healing.
Entz said it’s important to rest, hydrate, use humidifiers and try saline nose drops.
“It’s also important to get your annual flu shot to protect yourself from a serious illness,” emphasizes Dr. Entz.
Consulting a health professional
If home remedies and over-the-counter medications fail to provide relief, consider seeking medical care. Dr. Entz recommends contacting a doctor if you experience:
- Dizziness or fatigue.
- Persistent fever that lasts longer than four hours, despite the use of pain relievers.
- Persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Symptoms that improve and then get worse after a few days.
Colds and flu typically last about seven to 10 days. If symptoms persist beyond this period, it’s advisable to contact your doctor, as you might be experiencing a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.
If you experience cold and flu symptoms or have been around someone symptomatic, Dr. Entz also recommended getting tested for COVID-19.
“Some of the newer variants of COVID-19 have similar symptoms to colds and flu,” she said.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, take a PCR or antigen test. Keep in mind that symptoms can take several days to show up on a test.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines on testing and isolation. Should you test positive, consult your doctor to discuss treatment options.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Pain when breathing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Tightness in your chest or wheezing.
Knowing the source of your symptoms will allow for more targeted treatment discussions with your doctor.
To find a Henry Ford Same-Day Care location, visit henryford.com/SameDay or call 800-436-7936.