January, 2002

NEW YORK, NY--(INTERNET WIRE)--Jan 08, 2002-- For the first time in four years, the American Lung Association has released new guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Influenza and the Common Cold. Developed by medical experts at the American Lung Association, the updated guidelines contain important information about how influenza (commonly known as the flu) and cold are transmitted, how to prevent the two types of illnesses, and what treatment options are available. Consumers can request a free guideline booklet, available in English or Spanish, by calling 888-254-4054 or visiting lungusa.org.

"Influenza and the common cold are among the most frequent respiratory infections, especially during the winter months. Because people often confuse the two illnesses, it is important to educate the public about the symptoms, prevention and treatment options," said Dr. Linda Ford, past president of the American Lung Association and a physician of allergy and immunology. "Influenza affects more than 100 million people each year in the United States, and Americans suffer from 1 billion colds annually. It is estimated that the American Lung Association's new guidelines will greatly help in preventing and managing the number of influenza, cold and other viral respiratory diseases diagnosed in the future. Ultimately, the nation could potentially realize significant savings on the billions of dollars spent on direct and indirect health care costs and loss of earnings due to illness and death as a result of influenza."

The updated Flu and Cold Guidelines encourage people to get a flu shot, and at the onset of flu symptoms, see a doctor immediately (within two days) for new treatments available that can reduce the length of the illness. The guidelines provide valuable information about new antiviral medications used in preventing and treating the flu, such as Tamiflu(R) that can reduce the duration of symptoms by at least one day and lessen their overall severity. For relieving fever and aches associated with flu and colds, the guidelines suggest taking products containing acetaminophen, like Tylenol(R), which unlike aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, is less likely to irritate the stomach. The new guidelines also stress that people with asthma get a flu shot. This is based on a recent American Lung Association study that proved people with asthma are not in danger of complications from flu shots as previously thought. The best time to get a flu shot for maximum protection during the flu season is from early October to mid-November. However, the flu shot can be given at any point during the flu season, even if the virus has already begun to spread in your community.

The updated guidelines were developed as part of an educational partnership between the American Lung Association; Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., the maker of Tamiflu(R); and McNeil Consumer and Specialty Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Tylenol(R).

Flu vs. Cold

Both the flu and common cold are caused by viruses, but there are several key differences between the two illnesses. The flu virus spreads by traveling through the air and by direct contact. When an infected person sneezes, coughs or speaks, he or she releases tiny droplets full of flu particles. These droplets are so small that they can remain in the air long enough for another person to inhale them. Once flu virus droplets land on the lining of the nose, throat or lungs, flu invades and spreads throughout the body. Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and include fever, cough, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, chills and tiredness. Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms and the flu can be fatal in the elderly and people with lung disease or a weak immune system. Flu symptoms in children are similar to those in adults, although children tend to have higher temperatures, ranging from 103 degreesF to 105 degreesF. Pneumonia is the most serious complication of flu and can be caused by the flu virus or by bacteria that get into the lungs when the body's defense system is weakened by the virus.

A cold is a minor infection of the nose and throat that usually lasts for about one week, although it may last longer, especially in children, the elderly and those in poor health. Colds are highly contagious and are caused when droplets of fluid that contain a cold virus are inhaled or transferred by touch.

Prevention of Flu and Cold

The best tool for preventing the flu is the flu vaccine. The shot can be given at any time during the flu season, but October and November are best. It is necessary to get a flu shot every year because the virus is constantly changing and new vaccines are developed annually. Anyone who wants to reduce his or her chance of getting the flu should be vaccinated. However, people who are allergic to eggs or any component of the vaccine should not get the vaccination. The viral material in flu vaccines is grown in eggs. Those who have an acute illness and fever should wait until fully recovered before receiving the vaccine. For people who cannot or have not received a flu shot, a physician may prescribe antiviral medications during the flu season to prevent the flu. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu(R)) is currently the most prescribed medication because it has only mild side effects, such as upset stomach, and does not harm patients with asthma. Although these antiviral drugs are not substitutes for a flu shot, if treatment begins two days after flu symptoms appear, these medications can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

Unlike the flu vaccine, there is not a single vaccine yet on the market that prevents colds; however, several precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of catching a cold. Cold prevention measures include: avoiding close contact with people who have a cold, especially during the first few days when they are most likely to spread the infection; washing hands after touching someone who has a cold, after touching an object they have touched, and after blowing your nose; keeping fingers away from nose and eyes to avoid infecting yourself with cold virus particles; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze and throwing the tissue away and washing your hands.

Treatment of Flu and Cold

The preferred over-the-counter medication to relieve symptoms such as the aches and fever associated with flu and the common cold is acetaminophen, such as Tylenol(R). According to medical experts, acetaminophen is less likely to irritate the stomach than aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen. Congestion, cough and nasal discharge associated with the flu and the common cold are best treated with a combination of decongestant and antihistamine. In addition, bed rest and increased fluid intake are recommended. Medical experts also advise to avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoke when ill as they can irritate symptoms and cause dehydration.

Press release source: American Lung Association