What’s Ailing You?
It’s sniffles season again. But how can you tell whether you have a cold, the flu, or another infection? This symptom guide might point you in the right direction.
|
|
Cold
|
Flu
|
Strep Throat
|
Bronchitis
|
|
What is it?
|
Viral infection
|
Viral infection
|
Bacterial infection
|
Viral infection
|
|
What are the symptoms?
|
Low-grade fever
Sneezing, runny nose
Mild cough
Slight muscle aches
|
Sudden and high fever (above 101° F)
Stuffy, runny nose
Headache
Muscle aches
|
Fever
Pain when swallowing
Sore throat that may start quickly
Red and swollen tonsils
Red spots on the roof of the mouth
|
Coughing with or without mucus
Soreness in chest
Fatigue
Mild headache
Mild body aches
|
|
Best prevention
|
Wash your hands often and avoid close contact with people who are sick
|
Get your annual influenza vaccine and wash your hands often
|
Practice good hand hygiene
|
Wash your hands often, don’t smoke, and stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines
|
|
Best course of action
|
Rest and over-the-counter medicines
|
Rest, fluids, and antiviral medicines, if needed
|
Antibiotics after positive strep test
|
Rest, fluids, and a clean humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer
|