Common illnesses are sicknesses that many people get, especially during certain times of the year. These include the common cold, influenza (the flu), strep throat, ear infections, and stomach viruses. Most of these illnesses are caused by tiny germs called viruses or bacteria that enter your body and start multiplying. While getting sick is never fun, most common illnesses go away on their own with rest and time.
The common cold is caused by over 200 different viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most frequent culprits. Because so many different viruses cause colds, scientists have never been able to create a vaccine or cure for them. Antibiotics do not work against colds because antibiotics only kill bacteria, not viruses. Cold symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild cough, and they usually develop gradually over a day or two.
The flu is caused by influenza viruses and is much more serious than a common cold. It comes on suddenly and causes fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and chills that affect your whole body. The CDC estimates that the flu causes between 8 and 41 million illnesses in the United States each year, and it can lead to dangerous complications like pneumonia. Up to 52,000 people in the US die from the flu annually, mostly elderly people and young children, which is why getting a flu vaccine every year is so important.
Strep throat is different from most sore throats because it is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, not a virus. Because it is bacterial, strep throat can be treated with antibiotics, which kill the bacteria and help you feel better faster. It is important to treat strep throat with antibiotics because untreated strep can lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart. A doctor can confirm strep throat with a quick swab test of your throat.
Knowing the difference between a cold and the flu helps you understand how sick you really are. Colds develop gradually and mainly affect the nose and throat, causing sneezing, a stuffy nose, and a mild cough. The flu comes on suddenly and causes body-wide symptoms including high fever, chills, muscle aches, and extreme exhaustion. If you have a cold, you can usually still do some normal activities, but the flu typically keeps you in bed for several days.
Viral gastroenteritis, often called the “stomach flu,” is actually not the flu at all. It is caused by completely different viruses, most commonly norovirus and rotavirus, which attack the lining of your stomach and intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes a low fever. The biggest danger from stomach bugs is dehydration, which is why drinking small sips of water or electrolyte drinks is so important when you are sick.
Recovery from most common illnesses depends on rest, fluids, and giving your body time to fight off the infection. Most viral illnesses resolve in 7 to 10 days as your immune system identifies and destroys the invading germs. During recovery, your body uses a lot of energy to fight the infection, which is why you feel tired and need extra sleep. Drinking plenty of water, warm broth, and other clear fluids helps your body stay hydrated and flush out the infection.
The best way to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneeze helps keep germs from spreading to others. Staying home when you are sick prevents you from passing your illness to classmates and friends. Getting recommended vaccines, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep all help keep your immune system strong and ready to fight off germs.
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