Cold, Flu Or Allergy: Know the Difference and What to Do

Home , Nasal congestion

Cold, Flu or Allergy: Know the Difference and What to Do

Cold Flu Allergy Symptoms (Virus) (Influenza) (Seasonal or environmental) Nasal congestion Common Sometimes Common

Runny nose Common Sometimes Common

Sneezing Common Sometimes Common

Sometimes – described as Sore throat Common – resolves quickly Sometimes scratchy or dry

Cough Sometimes by 4th or 5th day Common Sometimes

Fever Rare Common (100-102°F) Never

Headache Rare Common Sometimes

Aches/pains Slight Common – often severe Never

Common – Fatigue Sometimes Sometimes may last 2-3 weeks

Common – especially at Extreme fatigue Uncommon Never beginning of illness

Usually 1 day before Varies – usually first 2 to 4 symptoms begin and 5 days Infectious period Not contagious days of illness after symptoms start Can last up to 10 days

Abrupt onset Environmental allergies can occur year round – seasonal Onset of symptoms Gradual development Can develop symptoms 1 to 4 allergies occur when pollen days after exposure and infection counts are high

Varies with seasonal or Length of illness 7-10 days Uncomplicated 2-5 days environmental allergies

No cure Antiviral medications – Nasal rinses Symptoms resolve in 1-2 most effective within 48 Antihistamines weeks without treatment hours of onset Decongestants Treatment Over-the-counter remedies Over-the-counter remedies Avoid allergens relieve symptoms only relieve symptoms only Stay inside when pollen/ Get plenty of rest Get plenty of rest mold counts are high Drink plenty of water Drink plenty of water

Cold Medication Generic Name Purpose

Diphenhydramine Chlorpheniramine Treat runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing Loratadine Antihistamines Cetirizine – Helpful during first 3 days of cold symptoms in combination Common brand names: with expectorant or decongestant Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec

Dextromethorphan – Cough suppressant Common brand name: Controls cough reflex to stop cough Delysm

Guaifenesin – Thins mucus to allow blowing mucus out the nose and or Expectorant Common brand names: coughing it up to clear airway Robitussin, Mucinex

Relieves nasal congestion, sinus pressure, ear fullness • Restricted product – available without prescription from pharmacist • More effective than unrestricted phenylephrine/Sudafed PE • Use fast-acting formula, not extended release to get relief Pseudoephedrine – within 2 hours, versus over 8-12 hours Decongestant Common brand name: Sudafed Avoid use of all decongestants • For children under age 6 • For patients with lung conditions (asthma, COPD, etc.) to prevent chest tightness and difficulty coughing up mucus • For patients with heart disease or who take medication for high blood pressure

Acetaminophen – Common brand name: Relieve pain and reduce fever Tylenol

Pain reliever/ Ibuprofen – Do not use in infants less than 6 months old Fever reducer Common brand names: Do not use if taking Aleve, naproxen, aspirin, Advil, Motrin diclofenac, prednisone

Aspirin Do not use for children under age 18

When to seek medical care • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath • Fever lasts more than 3 days • Feel pain or pressure in chest or belly • Cough worsens despite use of cough medicine • Signs of confusion • Sinus pain that doesn’t improve with analgesics/decongestants • Severe vomiting • Sudden onset of dizziness • Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears) • Symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement • Symptoms are unusual or severe