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Is it Strep, a Cold or the Flu?
|
Strep Throat
(bacterial) |
Cold
(Viral) |
Influenza
(Viral)
|
Fever
Over > 100.5 F |
Common |
Sometimes |
Very common High: 101-104 |
Headache |
Common |
Rare |
Very common |
Aches & Pains |
Sometimes |
Rare |
Common & severe |
Weakness & Fatigue |
Sometimes |
Rare |
Common; Can last up to 2 wks |
Stuffy Nose, |
Rare |
Common |
Sometimes |
Sore Throat |
Common |
Common |
Common |
Sore Neck Lymph Nodes |
Common |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Cough |
Never |
Common |
Common & often severe |
Start of Symptoms |
Rapid |
Gradual |
Very Rapid |
Prevention: Frequent hand washing, rest, a healthy diet.
For Flu, get an annual influenza vaccine.
Treatment: With viral illnesses, the goal is to control symptoms- by using fever reducers, decongestants, plenty of fluids, cough drops and throat lozenges. If you have Strep, antibiotics are very helpful.
Antibiotics do not work against viral infections, but may be
appropriate if you also develop a bacterial infection. |
Download a pdf document with this information
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