| SYMPTOM SENSE |
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| Making Sense of Symptoms It is a common dilemma for people to determine what exactly are their symptoms telling them. Here are a few of the common respiratory symptoms related to cold, influenza or the “flu” and bacterial infections. If any symptoms worsen or continue….call your doctor. Signs/Symptoms Cold Influenza Bacterial Infection Onset Gradual Sudden Gradual; occasionally Acute Fever Rare High >101F High >101F for 3-4 days Cough Hacking Non-productive Can be productive can become or dry severe Headache Rare Prominent Sometimes Myalgia Slight Usual, often Sometimes (aching muscles) severe Fatigue, weakness Very mild Can last up to Common 2-3 weeks Extreme exhaustion Rare Early and Rare Prominent Chest discomfort None Common Common Stuffy nose Common Sometimes Sometimes Sneezing Usual Sometimes Rare Sore throat Common Sometimes Sometimes Important facts about colds and the flu Both a cold and influenza, commonly known as the flu, are infections that typically affect the respiratory tract. They are caused by viruses, which may mean they cannot be cured by an antibiotic. One of the best ways to help fight the common cold or the respiratory symptoms of the flu is with plenty of fluids. |
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