Editor’s Note: If you missed the morning post by Marcie Dumais on helping kiddos learn the value of generosity, you can check it out HERE. This afternoon, we have some great information on the topic of cold Vs. flu.

With the news this week that St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox is asking people who have only minor cold or flu symptoms to stay home and not go to the emergency room, it’s time to talk a bit of shop about resources available for families in the Comox Valley and B.C.-wide.

There’s plenty of debate over choices to vaccinate or not to vaccinate, and we’re not going to get into that here as I am no medical professional. But, local health professionals have passed some great information to our team here at Our Big Earth and we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve to keep ourselves out of the doctors office or clinic.

It’s a crazy time of year – any year. But, this one seems to be most peculiar with the whole H1N1 thing. When did it become a relief that your kid has strep throat? I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard the phrase “At least it’s not H1N1″ around town.

We’re all worried, that’s for sure. But, clinics, doctors offices and hospitals are seeing wait times of hours these days – and no one wants to sit in a room full of sick people.

Our first line of defense is the B.C. Nurse Line – which I have to say we, as parents, have totally learned to love. The line runs 24/7 and, by simply dialing 8-1-1 and having yours or your child’s care card in hand (you have to give them the number) you can talk directly to a registered nurse who can help you determine the severity of the illness or what it may be.

When the green goo shows up in your kiddo’s nose and symptoms pop up, check the chart below to see if it’s a regular old seasonal cold, or if something more serious and flu-like is going on:

SYMPTOM: Fever

COLD: Fever is rare.
FLU: Usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases with a temperature of 100°F or higher for 3-4 days.

SYMPTOM: Coughing

COLD: A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present.
FLU: A dry cough is usually present with the flu.

SYMPTOM: Aches

COLD: Slight body aches and pains.
FLU: Severe aches and pains.

SYMPTOM: Chills

COLD: Uncommon.
FLU: About 60% of people experience chills.

SYMPTOM: Tiredness

COLD: Mild
FLU: Moderate to Severe

SYMPTOM: Sneezing

COLD: Common
FLU: Not common.

ONSET OF SYMPTOMS:

• Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
• The flu has a rapid onset within three to six hours.
• The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

SYMPTOM: Headache

COLD: Uncommon
FLU: Very Common

SYMPTOM: Sore throat

COLD: Common
FLU: Not Common

SYMPTOM: Chest discomfort

COLD: Mild to moderate
FLU: Severe

(Courtesy of the HealthLINK BC)

According to HealthLINK BC officials, H1N1 flu virus almost always includes a fever and cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. A fever, though, is not always a tell-tale sign, as respiratory symptoms without one can still be H1N1.

Our standard routine now is:

1. Everyone washes hands when coming in from outside,
2. Coughing into our arms,
3. Wiping off public carts and other shared items, and
4. Strengthening our immune systems with gems recommended from people like Dr. Amy Wells

Hope these tips and resources help you stay well and fight off the goo with ease this season.