Sickle Cell vs the Flu and Cold

Hey everyone, thanks to all the people who have joined the SCW fan page on Facebook. It’s another great way to connect.

Here is a great article on the difference between a regular cold and the flu. Since it’s Flu Season, and sickle cell warriors are more susceptible to developing greater complications because of a flu, this is valuable information. No one wants to get acute chest syndrome..but something like the cold or flu can lead us down that slippery slope.

Please everyone…get your flu shot! I already got mine, and it saved me from catching whatever it was the hubby brought home last week. Wash your hands as often as possible, and carry hand sanitizer with you if possible. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! You can read the full, complete article HERE.

Symptoms Cold Flu
Fever Sometimes, usually mild Usual; high (100-102 F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days
Headache Occasionally Common
General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe
Fatigue, Weakness Sometimes Usual; can last 2 to 3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion Never Usual; at the beginning of the illness
Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Sore Throat Common Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Cough Mild to moderate; hacking cough Common; can become severe
Complications Sinus congestion; middle ear infection Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infection, pneumonia; can be life-threatening
Prevention Wash your hands often; avoid close contact with anyone with a cold Wash your hands often; avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms; for seasonal flu, get the annual flu shot; ask your doctor about antiviral medicine for either seasonal or swine flu.
Treatment Antihistamines; decongestants; anti-inflammatory medicines Antihistamines, decongestants, analgesics (ibuprofen, acetaminophen); antiviral drugs within the first 48 hours of seasonal or swine flu symptoms; call your doctor for more information about treatment.

SC Warrior

4 Comments

  1. Mariya on October 25, 2016 at 9:56 am

    Hi! Does anyone know where to get the flu vaccine in Nigeria? Or if it’s even effective here. Thanks.



  2. Dee on December 27, 2017 at 4:39 am

    I’m 45 and have sickle cell. I can’t get any help and I’m sick right now. I’m tired of this – just wanted to die and get it over with.



    • Brooke Editor on January 4, 2018 at 8:01 am

      Please know that you are not alone. You can reach out for any advice or support you need here on our Sickle Cell Warrior website or on our Facebook page.



  3. Dee on September 5, 2018 at 5:09 am

    My daughter’s flu can’t be controlled. She is in and out of the hospital. What can I do (worried mum)?



Categories