Colds and flus are caused by viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract. Colds are usually caused by rhinoviruses and coronaviruses, while influenza is caused by influenza viruses types A, B, and C. Symptoms of colds include sneezing, coughing, and congestion, while influenza typically causes high fever, body aches, and extreme exhaustion. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and allowing the immune system to fight the infection. Rest, staying hydrated, and over-the-counter medications can help reduce cold symptoms, and antiviral drugs are used to treat influenza. Preventing spread involves hand washing, rest, avoiding others with illness, and annual flu vaccines.

1. COLDS AND FLUS
LUCKY MUNSAKA

2. OUTLINE
 INTRODUCTION
 DEFINITIONS
 ETIOLOGY- PATHOGENESIS
 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
 MANAGEMENT- NON PHARMACOLOGICAL AND
PHARMACOLOGICAL
 BONUS
 CARRY HOME MESSAGE
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4. INTRODUCTION
 The common cold is a self-limited viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. It can be
caused by more than 200 different types of viruses, but the majority of colds in children
and adults are caused by rhinoviruses.
 The flu is considerably more debilitating than the common cold. Influenza outbreaks
occur suddenly, and infection spreads rapidly.
 The earliest existing descriptions of influenza were written nearly 2,500 years ago by the
ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. Historically, influenza was ascribed to a number of
different agents, including "bad air" and several different bacteria. In fact, its name
comes from the Italian word for "influence," because people in eighteenth-century
Europe thought that the disease was caused by the influence of bad weather. It was not
until 1933 that the causative agent was identified as a virus.
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5. DEFINITIONS
1. COLD OR COMMON COLD: also known as Acute viral nasopharyngitis is a
highly contagious, viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system,
primarily caused by picornaviruses or coronaviruses.
2. INFLUENZA : Usually referred to as the flu, influenza is a highly infectious
respiratory disease. The disease is caused by certain strains of the influenza
virus. When the virus is inhaled, it attacks cells in the upper respiratory tract,
causing typical flu symptoms such as fatigue, fever and chills, a hacking
cough, and body aches.
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6. ETIOLOGY
1. Colds
 Colds are caused by more than 200 different viruses. The most common groups
are rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Different groups of viruses are more infectious
at different seasons of the year, but knowing the exact virus causing the cold is not
important in treatment.
 Once acquired, the cold virus attaches itself to the lining of the nasal passages
and sinuses. This condition causes the infected cells to release a chemical called
histamine. Histamine increases the blood flow to the infected cells, causing
swelling, congestion, and increased mucus production. Within one to three days
the infected person begins to show cold symptoms.
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7. 2. Flu
 There are three types of influenza viruses, identified as A, B, and C.
 Influenza A can infect a range of animal species, including humans, pigs,
horses, and birds,
 but only humans are infected by types B and C.
 Influenza A is responsible for most flu cases, while infection with types B and
C virus are less common and cause a milder illness.
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9. SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
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10.  sneezing and cough;
 sometimes accompanied by muscle aches, fatigue, malaise, headache,
muscle weakness, or loss of appetite
NOTE : Fever and extreme exhaustion are more usual in influenza.
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11. MANAGEMENT
1. NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL
Your body’s immune system will be able to fight the virus and this can be helped in a number of ways.
 Rest– Have plenty of sleep and rest. Stay home from work or study and away from others while you
have a cold or flu.
 Keep hydrated(drink plenty of fluids) – This will help keep your throat moist and replace fluid lost
due to a fever and sweating. Plenty of water is best. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as they will
make you more dehydrated.
 Eat soft food– If you have a sore throat soft foods are easier to swallow. Foods such as chicken
soup may help a sore throat and reduce mucous (sticky fluid).
 Take vitamins– Vitamin C and Echinacea have proven benefits in helping to beat a cold.
 Avoid other remedies– Cough mixtures, aspirin and cold and flu remedies are of no clear benefit.
Do not give aspirin to children
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12. NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL CONT….
 washing hands well and frequently, especially after touching the nose or
before handling food
 using instant hand sanitizers, which are antiseptics and not antibiotics
 covering the mouth and nose when sneezing
 disposing of used tissues properly
 avoiding close contact with someone who has a cold during the first two to
four days of their infection
 not sharing food, eating utensils, or cups
 using paper towels rather than shared cloth towels
 avoiding crowded places where cold germs can spread
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13. 2. PHARMACOLOGAL
MANAGEMENT OF COLDS
 There are no medicines that will cure the common cold. Given time, the body's
immune system makes antibodies to fight the infection, and the cold is resolved
without any intervention. Antibiotics are useless against a cold
 However, they are drugs designed to relieve cold symptoms which include;
A. Antihistamines e.g. chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine
 block the action of the chemical histamine that is produced when the cold virus
invades the cells lining the nasal passages. Histamine increases blood flow and
causes the cells to swell. Antihistamines are taken to relieve the symptoms of
sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion.
 Side effects : dry mouth and drowsiness, especially with the first few doses.
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14. MANAGEMENT OF COLDS CONT…..
B. Decongestants e.g. phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine,
and in nasal sprays naphazoline, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline
 work to constrict the blood flow to the vessels in the nose. They can shrink the
tissue, reduce congestion, and open inflamed nasal passages, making breathing
easier.
 Side effects : worsen hypertension, rebound syndrome, nosebleed and insomia
c. pain relievers e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin ( above 18 years)
NOTE: Alternative Treatment is also available which includes, Aromatherapy remedy,
Nutritional therapy, Herbal remedies, Chinese traditional medicinal remedies
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15. PHARMACOLOGICAL CONT…..
MANAGEMENT OF FLUS
 Since influenza is a viral infection, antibiotics are useless in treating it.
However, antibiotics are frequently used to treat secondary infections.
 Over-the-counter medications are used to treat flu symptoms, but it is
not necessary to purchase a medication marketed specifically for flu
symptoms.
 As in 2004 the fellowing antiviral were introduced, They include
amantadine and rimantadine, which work against Type A influenza,
and zanamavir and oseltamavir phosphate, which work against both
Types A and B influenza
 influenza vaccines are also available
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16. BONUS…
1. COMPLICATIONS
 Acute sinus infections
 Lower respiratory tract disease; Acute asthma attacks, pneumonia
 Ear infections: Because colds cause problems with drainage and pressure
regulation of the middle ear, an acute ear infection (otitis media) can occur
2. DX DIAGNOSIS
 Allergic or seasonal rhinitis – a cough or sore throat are usually not seen with
allergies.
 Bacterial throat infection or tonsillitis – nasal congestion and drainage are not
generally seen with a bacterial throat infection or tonsillitis.
 Bacterial sinus infections – usually associated with significant facial pain and
purulent nasal discharge
 influenza – usually associated with high fever, headache, and body aches.
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17. Better to Prevent COLDS AND FLUS
TAKE VITAMINES &
HAVE BED REST
ANTIBIOTICS ARE USELESS
STAY HYDRATED
Health Education
Direct Supervision
Carry Home Message
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LUCKY MUNSAKA

18. THANK YOU
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