Cold and Flu Pain Management

There are hundreds of viruses that cause colds and the flu, but patients may not always know the difference because of symptom similarities.1,2

Reduce infection in your office4:

  • Place hand sanitizer within patients’ reach
  • Use germ-killing wipes, especially on high-contact surfaces
  • Review containment plans and keep patients with flu-like symptoms away from others
  • Be sure to always adhere to health and safety standards

Advise your patients to get a flu vaccine each year

The CDC recommends flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older, unless contraindicated.5


Patients rely on you for safe relief

As patients reach for OTC analgesics during your busiest season, remind them to take only 1 medicine containing the same active ingredient at a time.

Acetaminophen label NSAID Label
Is it a cold or the flu?2,3

Cold symptoms

  • Develop slowly and are usually milder

Flu symptoms

  • Come on suddenly and are more severe

May include:

  • Mild or no fever
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Mild fatigue
  • Cough
  • Slight muscle aches
  • Mild headache
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing
  • Typically lasts less than 2 weeks

May include:

  • Fever (usually over 101°F)
  • Stuffy nose (sometimes)
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Cough
  • Muscle aches, especially in arms, legs, and back
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Chills and sweats
  • Typically lasts less than 2 weeks
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Cold & Flu Patient Resources

Cold & Flu Patient Resources

Tips for cold and flu prevention and treatment.

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REFERENCES: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common cold and runny nose. https://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/colds.html. Accessed April 11, 2017. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cold versus flu. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm. Accessed April 11, 2017. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu symptoms & complications. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/complications.htm. Accessed April 10, 2017. 4. Punke H. 5 ways to prevent infection spread in waiting rooms. http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/5-ways-to-prevent-infection-spread-in-waiting-rooms.html?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=. Accessed April 10, 2017. 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children, the flu, and the flu vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/children.htm. Accessed April 10, 2017.