## 🤧 Cold vs. Flu: Know the Difference and Bounce Back Faster!

Feeling under the weather? That cough, that sneeze, the general ache—it can be tough to tell if you've caught a common cold or the more serious flu (influenza). While both are respiratory illnesses, knowing the difference is key to getting the right care and recovering quickly. Plus, we'll look at how our products, Stahist T and Stahist AD, can help soothe those frustrating symptoms.

🥶 Is it a Cold or the Flu?

The flu tends to hit harder and faster than a cold. Here's a quick guide to help you compare the two:

Symptom	Common Cold (Rhinovirus, etc.)	Influenza (Flu Virus)
Onset	Gradual	Abrupt and sudden
Fever	Rare; mild if present	Common, high (100°F - 102°F or higher), lasts 3-4 days
Aches/Pains	Slight; localized	Common, severe, whole body
Fatigue/Weakness	Mild to moderate	Common, can be severe and last for weeks
Stuffy/Runny Nose	Common	Sometimes
Sore Throat	Common	Sometimes
Headache	Rare	Common, moderate to severe

💡 The Takeaway: If you wake up feeling like you've been hit by a truck, have a high fever, and severe body aches, it's more likely the flu. A cold usually involves more nasal congestion and a milder, more gradual start.

🚀 Strategies for a Faster Recovery

Whether it's a cold or the flu, your body needs time and support to fight off the virus. Follow these tips to help speed up your recovery:

• Prioritize Rest: This is non-negotiable! Sleep allows your body to focus its energy on immune defense.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, and decaffeinated tea. This helps thin mucus and prevents dehydration, especially if you have a fever.

• Use Humidity: A cool-mist humidifier can help soothe a sore throat and relieve nasal and chest congestion. The moms in our office love this PureGuardian one because it has up to a 70-hour run time.

• Nutrient Support: Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods with Vitamin C (citrus) and Zinc (beans, nuts) may offer some immune support.

• Soothe Your Throat: Gargle with warm salt water (1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz water) to temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.

💊 Symptom Relief with Stahist T and Stahist AD

While these tips help your body heal, managing uncomfortable symptoms makes the waiting game much easier. This is where targeted over-the-counter medications can be helpful.

Stahist T (Antihistamine)

Stahist T contains 2.5mg of the antihistamine Triprolidine, which will help relieve a runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes. Stahist T is a wonderful nighttime option because not only will it dry secretions, it can help facilitate sleep, allowing your body to restore itself. It also a very small scored tablet, making it an easy option for children or those who have trouble swallowing pills.

Stahist AD (Focus on Drying and Decongesting)

Stahist AD is a unique formula immediate-release tablet containing 25mg of the antihistamine Chlorcyclizine and 60mg of the decongestant Pseudoephedrine. Stahist AD will help relieve a runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, swollen nasal passages, and post nasal drip.

• Antihistamine (A): To dry up the excessive mucus production that causes a runny nose and post-nasal drip.

• Decongestant (D): To shrink swollen nasal membranes and relieve pressure and congestion.

Stahist AD is a scored tablet, allowing you to customize the dosing.

⚠️ Important Note: Follow the dosage instructions on the box. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

👩‍⚕️ When to See a Doctor

If you suspect you have the flu, seeing a doctor within the first 48 hours is crucial, as they may be able to prescribe antiviral medications that can shorten the illness and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.

• Sudden dizziness or confusion.

• Persistent vomiting.

• Symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worsening cough.

A cold is usually a nuisance, but the flu can be serious. Take care of yourself, recognize the signs, and don't hesitate to use symptom relievers like Stahist T or Stahist AD to get through the worst of it!