Differences Between Cold and Flu Symptoms

Fever: Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
Coughing: A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches: Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose: Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills: Chills are uncommon with a cold. 60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness: Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing: Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms: Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache: A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat: Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest Discomfort: Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

It's finally playtime!!!

Top photo: D and Me with our buddy, Kris at Bannerman's last Saturday....what a great time we all had:-)
Photo below: Nancy Martinez King with her infamous goody-bag;-)
Photos beyond...see Facebook;-)

Marketing at the Chicago Bungalow Expo...

Photograph taken by Mike of Dad and Ma at the Chicago Bungalow Expo this last Saturday.  Despite the challenges, my parents pulled together as a team to support my Dad's craft.  My father's work ethic is phenomonal.  And seeing my folks together makes me think of love in its various forms of expressions; no matter which one is illustrated, and no matter how unique its form may be, its mark always leaves a masterpiece creation. After all the hell Ma's been through and all the challenges that will continue to face her future, it's good to see her join the land of the living again even if just for awhile. It's even better to see her trying to smile again.  It's the smile that completes me and the one that my heart depends on.

Support is Near from Afar

My Bro, Greg, and his wife, Elizabeth.

Greg:  I just wanted to give you public props for the emotional support you've given to your family from afar. It means more than words can tell. We know how difficult your juggle is right now and yet you still manage to pull through when we need you the most. I honestly don't know what I would do if I didn't have some pinch-hitters here so I wouldn't have to miss so much work.  Believe it or not, Mike, Dad, Ma's friends and some of our family members are trying very hard to help in any way they can but it's not easy to see that from so far away. So keep your mind on high and find your peace in knowing we are bringing your supportive spirit with us wherever we go on this journey. The sojourn is sometimes difficult, but the circle is so divine if we choose to see it that way; and with the support of those who show concern, I am starting to see that despite all the inequities, there are still so many beautiful moments that make this ride so wildy wonderful. With that being said, please often recall how proud we are of you and for doing your best to balance this amalgamation of overflowing plates. Stay strong and sweet and know you are so very cherished. 

Quote for the Moment

Along with another, this poignant quote was shared at Rose Seybert's memorial service not long ago by her family and I find it fitting as I ponder the fragility of life after seeing the persistent, enormous and often silent suffering of people I care about so deeply.  We can juxtapose this negative energy with the idea that for every moment of darkness, there is light...silver linings to our clouds as they say, which give the impression of purpose and harmony in our global existence despite its ephemeral nature.  This quote opens the mind to think beyond and bifurcate between inequities and realities.  Props to Aunt Rose's family for including such a simple yet profound quote for all of us to thoughtfully consider.

Photo taken in June 2001

Courtesy of Glenn Friedman

And in this vein, if you could, please keep my beloved MA, her baby bro, Glenn, and our families in your prayers because aside from the positivity that our friends and family bring into our lives, these Earth Angels could really use a miracle right about now.