Cold, Flu, or Pneumonia?
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Cold
- Symptoms develop slowly
- Coughing, sneezing
- Sinus pain
- Sore throat
- Mild body aches
- Symptoms subside within 4-9 days
- Generally less severe than the flu
- Can be treated with over-the-counter medications
- Best remedies are rest and lots of fluids
- Contact your healthcare provider if your cold persists for more than a week, if your cough suddenly worsens, or you develop a fever
- Colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are not used to treat viruses/colds
Flu
- Symptoms usually develop suddenly
- Sudden high fever (above 100.40)
- Significant body aches
- Headaches
- Extreme fatigue
- Mild cough, mild sore throat
- Symptoms subside in 2-5 days, although respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and sore throat can last 2 weeks.
- Rest, drink lots of fluids, take over-the-counter medication for fever and body aches
- Prescription anti-virals (such as Tamiflu) may help you recover more quickly.
- It is reported that anti-virals (Tamiflu and/ or Relenza) are most effective if taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
- Stay home until you have been without a fever for 24 hours.
Pneumonia
- Symptoms usually start faster a little faster than cold symptoms, but slower than flu symptoms
- Viral pneumonia-deterioration over the course of 12-36 hours
- Bacterial pneumonia-happens when bacteria invades lungs that are weakened by a cold or flu
- Shortness of breath is a common symptom
- Sharp or stabbing pain with inhalation
- Fever
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Increased breathing and heart rate
- Blueness around the mouth and lips
- Patients with pneumonia ALWAYS need to see a healthcare provider for treatment
- When being treated for pneumonia, it is vital for patients to complete the course of medication prescribed by their doctor.
- Not completing all prescribed medications may result in relapse.
When in doubt about your symptoms, schedule an appointment at Health Services at 337-475-5748.