Health Chronicle: Colds and Flu

Dr. Lara Bilodeau

M.D., FRCPC

Pulmonologist

University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology of Quebec Quebec Quebec (Quebec) Canada

COLDS AND FLUS

Q: Can you explain to me why flu and colds are more common in winter than in summer?

R: A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) caused by a virus. It is manifested by a sore throat, congestion, runny nose, and cough. It rarely causes fever. There is no specific treatment for the common cold. Since the pathogen responsible is not bacteria, antibiotics are useless. However, it is common for people with cystic fibrosis that the common cold is complicated by a bacterial superinfection. In such a case, antibiotics become necessary. For an uncomplicated cold, treatment is only aimed at relieving the symptoms and it is the immune system that will take care of eliminating the virus. Symptoms usually go away within a few days.

Influenza is a respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza virus. It is transmitted very easily from one person to another. It is characterized by fever, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and cough. Symptoms come on suddenly and can be very intense. The influenza season starts around November and lasts until early spring. The best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu shot.

It is true that some viruses are more prevalent in winter, but you can also catch a cold in summer. The reason why colds are more common in winter is probably that there are several conditions that favor the transmission of viruses during this season. We are more often inside, in contact with a lot of people. For example, viruses are easily transmitted among children in daycare or school.

In addition to vaccination against the flu, the measures to be taken to avoid the transmission of viruses are:

• wash your hands often
• cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Use a tissue or cough and sneeze into the crease of your elbow
• wear a mask when you have a cough

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