Most flu seasons result in somewhere between 9 million and 41 million cases in the United States. Common colds are even more prevalent, with some estimates as high as 1 billion cases every year in the US alone.

Thankfully, both of these illnesses are typically routine. Colds are often short lived and flu viruses can often be minimized with preventative measures, such as vaccines. For most people, cold and flu viruses result in discomfort and inconvenience–but it’s something your immune system will likely be able to handle eventually. Those with compromised or weakened immune systems may have a harder time fighting these viruses, especially influenza.

But influenza and cold infections can also have long term impacts on those with healthy immune systems. Commonly, for example, cold and flu symptoms can lead to sinus infections and sinus pain. In these cases, it’s often beneficial to see an Otolaryngologist (or ENT).

Understanding Cold and Flu Symptoms

Both colds and flus are caused by viruses. Colds are caused by a virus known as rhinovirus and the flu is caused by a virus called influenza. While the causes are different, the symptoms are very similar. This can make it difficult for non-medical professionals to distinguish between cold and flu symptoms.

Cold and flu symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Fever and chills
• Body aches and pains (especially around the joints)
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing, post nasal drip, and cough
• Fatigue
• And more

For most people, flu symptoms will be significantly more severe than cold symptoms. In the most severe cases, influenza can cause hospitalization and even death. While this typically happens mostly in vulnerable populations (such as infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised), it’s important that people understand the severity of complications that can arise.

Treating Influenza

Treatment of cold symptoms is usually achieved using over-the-counter medication. For flu symptoms, your provider may be able to prescribe antiviral medication that can diminish the severity and duration of your symptoms.

Additionally, vaccinations can help prevent severe flu symptoms, so flu shots are typically recommended as the flu season begins.

How Flu and Cold Impact Your Sinuses

The mucus in your sinuses typically help you filter germs, dust, and dirt out of the air–keeping you healthy in the process. However, when you become ill with a cold or flu, your body may begin manufacturing excess mucus. This mucus can overwhelm your sinuses, in some cases leading to sinus infections (medically known as sinusitis).

Sinus infections are generally unpleasant, causing fever, headaches, and more. They often develop directly after a cold or flu infection so many people mistakenly assume that their sinus infection is a continuation of their initial cold or flu. However, a sinus infection is a separate illness from either a cold or a flu (though they often occur one after the other).

A sinus infection can linger for days or even weeks so it’s important to seek out care from a highly qualified ENT as soon as possible. At ENT Medical Services, our goal is to assist patients with getting relief as soon as possible so we see patients in a matter of days instead of weeks.

How Sinus Infections are Treated

When sinus infections have not resolved on their own, most providers will first prescribe a round of antibiotics. Not all sinus infections respond favorably to antibiotics, however (because not all sinus infections are bacterial in nature).

In cases of repeated, severe, or chronic sinus infections, your ENT may recommend an

endoscopic sinus surgery or a balloon sinuplasty procedure to address recurrent or chronic sinusitis. These minimally invasive procedures are designed to improve mucus drainage in the sinuses and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Sinus surgery has been shown to effectively minimize the quantity, duration, and severity of repeated sinus infections.

The bottom line is that cold and flu symptoms can often cause additional health concerns, including sinus infections.

If you want to talk to a doctor about your sinus health, call 319.351.5680 to schedule an appointment with ENT Medical Services today! If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, you may be able to schedule a quick appointment in a matter of days to get the care you need!