Viral Infections

The common cold and flu are typical viral infections that tend to "zap" people with asthma, spiraling their symptoms out-of-control. Influenza known as the flu is a viral infection of the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. The flu produces symptoms of headache, fever, chills, cough, body aches and respiratory distress. The flu is a very contagious type of viral infection and it can be serious for people with chronic lung diseases like asthma. There also exists the possibility for the Influenza to lead to pneumonia.

Viral infections are very contagious and are passed through person to person contact. The secret to helping cease the spread is by hand washing. The best way to control the flu is through vaccine immunization.

Anyone with a chronic lung condition needs to help protect themselves by taking the flu shot. The prime time to get the flu shot is the end of October to mid November. The flu usually begins to hit in December and January and can last until April. If a person has a history of allergies to eggs or egg products then they should consult their physician first before getting the flu shot. A common question is whether or not you can actually get the flu from the flu shot. Actually the answer is no, because the vaccine is made from inactivated or "killed" flu viruses which are not infectious.

Catching a cold can also be very easy because the virus travels through the air. A cold is a minor infection of the nose and throat, typically lasting a couple of days to a few weeks. The symptoms that usually develop are the following:

• A runny nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• A lot of mucus production
• Tasting and smelling can be altered
• Hoarseness
• Fever

Trying to avoid the cold can be difficult when it seems like everyone around you is blowing their nose and sneezing. Washing your hands, avoiding close contact with those who are ill and keeping your fingers away from your face are healthy tips for prevention. If you do catch a cold try and help from sharing it by covering your nose when sneezing with a disposable tissue, washing hands after coughing or sneezing and staying home in an effort to get better. Stay well hydrated by drinking a lot of fluids. There are medications that your doctor can recommend to help with the symptoms, because there is no cure for a cold.