Showing posts with label pneumonia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pneumonia. Show all posts

Thursday 30 December 2021

Difference between Common Cold, Flu and PNEUMONIA

Hello Readers,

Do you know the difference between COMMON COLD, FLU AND PNEUMONIA?

In this post, let us understand differences between these three symptoms and how to treat:

Common Cold, Flu and PNEUMONIA
Pneumonia

Key Symptoms

Whilst Pneumonia may present symptoms similar to the common cold, it is in fact more sever.

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, fever, shivering or sweating, chest pain, fatigue and a dry or phlegm producing cough.

What is it ?

Caused by an infection from bacteria, viruses or fungi, which causes the lungs to become inflamed and swell up with fluid.

How long will it last and how can it be prevented?

It may take weeks to feel well again after catching Pneumonia. Even mild cases of Pneumonia can leave  you with a cough that persists of two to three weeks after treatment.

Vaccination can help reduce the risk of  Pneumococcal Pneumonia,  the most common form of bacterial Pneumonia.

Treatment:

Mild cases can usually be treated with antibiotics, lots of rest and fluids at home. Left untreated, Pneumonia can be serious and life threatening.

HelathCampIndia- Common Cold, Flu and PNEUMONIA
Flu

Key Symptoms:

Tend to start more suddenly and last longer than those of the common cold and include high temperature, a headache, exhaustion and aches and pains. Symptoms tend to be more profound than a common cold.

What is it?

A common viral infection caused by the influenza virus, not caused by the same virus as a cold.

How long will it last and how cant it be prevented?

Generally lasts for around a week, however sufferers may feel tired for much longer. Unlike a cold, you can help protect yourself against flu with a flu vaccine.

Treatment

As with a cold, if you have flu you can look after yourself at home by having plenty of rest and fluids. For older children (over 16 years) and adults, over the counter cold & flu remedies can be used to relieve symptoms. 

Sometimes antiviral medication can be used to reduce symptoms and aid recovery


Common Cold

Key Symptoms

Sore throat, blocked or runny nose, headaches, muscle aches, sneezing, a raised temperature and a cough

What is it?

A mild viral infection of the nose and throat

How long will it last and how can it be prevented?

A cold usually clears up on its own within a week or two. There is no reliable prevention of colds, but you can help stop your cold spreading to friends and family by washing your hands regularly and always using a tissue to cough or sneeze.

Treatment

Unfortunately there is no cure for a cold, it is recommended to rest and drink plenty of fluids. 

For children over 6 years old and adults, over the counter cold remedies can be used to relieve symptoms



Thank you for reading


source:Pfizer

Monday 27 August 2012

Diarrhoea and Pneumonia are the major causes for death among children




In India, pneumonia and diarrhoea are leading causes of death among children below five years of age. As per report “Countdown to 2015”, pneumonia contributes to 11 per cent of deaths and diarrhoea accounts for another 11 per cent of total under-five deaths in India. 

Under the National Rural Health Mission, ( NRHM) the steps taken by the Government for prevention and control of pneumonia and diarrhoea in children are as follows: 

1) Promotion of early and exclusive breastfeeding offers protection against common childhood illnesses including diarrhoea and pneumonia. Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices are being promoted through the national health programme. 


2) Vitamin A Supplementation programme covers children up to the age of 5 years and offers protection against diarrhoea and pneumonia by improving the immunity and is used as a preventive measure. 


3) Promoting use of Zinc and ORS is one of the priority activities for child survival. Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) packets and zinc tablets are made available free of cost and mothers are taught how to use them.


 4) Awareness is being created amongst mothers on sanitation and hygiene and in the communities about the causes and treatment of diarrhoea through health education. Antibiotics for treatment of pneumonia and dysentery are made available through the public health system. 


5) The community health workers and facility based health service providers are trained in the management of diarrhoea and pneumonia through the IMNCI (Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses) programme across the country. 


6) Under Universal Immunisation Programme various vaccines are provided and these are DPT, Measles and BCG that protect against diphtheria, pertussis, measles and tuberculosis. Vaccine against Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) infection has been introduced in the national immunization schedule for infants in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the first phase. 


Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Pic Source:medicinenet.com