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Symptoms
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Cold
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Flu
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Airborne Allergy
|
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Fever
|
Rare
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Usual, high (100-102 °F), sometimes higher, especially in young children); lasts 3-4 days
|
Never
|
|
Headache
|
Uncommon
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Common
|
Uncommon
|
|
General Aches, Pains
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Slight
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Usual; often severe
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Never
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Fatigue, Weakness
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Sometimes
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Usual, can last up to 3 weeks
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Sometimes
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Extreme Exhaustion
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Never
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Usual, at the beginning of the illness
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Never
|
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Stuffy, Runny Nose
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Common
|
Sometimes
|
Common
|
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Sneezing
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Usual
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Sometimes
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Usual
|
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Sore Throat
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Common
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
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Cough
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Common
|
Common, can become severe
|
Sometimes
|
|
Chest Discomfort
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Mild to moderate
|
Common
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Rare, except for those with allergic asthma
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Treatment
|
Get plenty of rest.
Stay hydrated. (Drink plenty of fluids.)
Decongestants
Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches and pains
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Get plenty of rest.
Stay hydrated.
Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches, pains, and fever
Antiviral medicines (see your doctor)
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Avoid allergens (things that you’re allergic to)
Antihistamines
Nasal steroids
Decongestants
|
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Prevention
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Wash your hands often.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold.
|
Get the flu vaccine each year.
Wash your hands often.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has the flu.
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Avoid allergens, such as pollen, house dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroaches.
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Complications
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Sinus infection middle ear infection, asthma
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Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening
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Sinus infection, middle ear infection, asthma
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Cold, Flu, or Allergy? Treatment
Treatment depends on which you have. A health professional can help you choose the best therapy.
Common Cold
- Symptoms last up to 2 weeks
- Stuffy, runny nose; sore throat; cough
- Treated with rest, fluids, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to ease symptoms
Seasonal Flu
- Symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks
- High fever (100-102 °F, or higher in youngsters), headache, aches and pains, weakness, exhaustion, cough, chest discomfort
- Treated with rest, fluids, OTC medicines, prescription antiviral drugs
Airborne Allergy
- Lasts as long as allergens (such as pollen, pet dander) are present
- Stuffy, runny nose; itchy, watery eyes
- Treated with antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids