Staying healthy in winter : colds and flu

Winter is a time when many people contract cold or flu viruses. The average incidence of the common cold in the USA is 5-7 episodes per year in preschool children, and 2-3 episodes per year in adulthood. Flu is a more serious infection than a common cold. The usual symptoms of flu include the sudden onset of fever, muscle pain (mainly affecting the back), a sore throat, coughing and headaches. Other possible symptoms are a runny nose, a burning chest and eye pain or sensitivity to light. Symptoms usually resolve within five days, but patients may experience lack of energy for several weeks.