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Compliments of American Academy Of  Family Physicians

Cold and Flu

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Many people need some direction in how to treat the symptoms of a cold or flu and in knowing when to see a doctor. Other illnesses may also begin with flu- or cold-like symptoms. Self-care is often all that is needed to treat these common viral illnesses.
SYMPTOMS   DIAGNOSIS   SELF-CARE
Begin here        
1. Do you have a fever? No --> Go to Question 5.*    
Yes, go down        
2. Do you have a sore throat and headache only--no nasal drainage? Yes --> You may have STREP THROAT. --> See your doctor if the sore throat or fever lasts longer than 48 hours.
No, go down        
3. Do you have aches, chills, sore throat, runny nose and cough? Yes --> You may have the FLU. --> Prevent the flu with a flu shot in October each year. Your doctor may suggest a prescription medicine that may shorten the course of the flu.
No, go down        
4. Do you have aches, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting and diarrhea? Yes --> You probably have GASTROENTERITIS (stomach flu). --> Treat symptoms with cold medicine for the drainage, anti-diarrheal medicine for the cramps and diarrhea, and fever-reducing medicine, if needed.
*5. Do you have a runny nose, sneezing, and itching eyes and/or nose? Yes --> You may have ALLERGIES. --> Treat yourself with antihistamine medicine from your pharmacy. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
No, go down        
6. Do you have a sore throat, headache, tiredness and runny nose? Yes --> You probably have a COLD. --> Treat yourself with cold medicine for the specific symptoms you are having.
No, go down        
7. Do you have a persistent cough that brings up mucus and/or makes it hard to breathe? Yes --> You may be developing BRONCHITIS. --> Use an over-the-counter medicine for pain and fever. Use a cough medicine that eases but does not stop coughing (an expectorant). Using a humidifier may relieve some symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
No, go down        

8. Do you have swelling or pain around the eyes, a headache, a dry cough, and/or discharge from the nose?

 Yes --> You may be developing        SINUSITIS.    --> See your doctor. Use acetominophen, ibuprofen, and/or warm compresses to reduce facial pain. A cool mist vaporizer may help drain sinuses more easily.
          No, go down

For more information, please consult your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call right away.

         

WARNING: Don't give children aspirin without your doctor's approval due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians

 
 
 

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