Colds and the flu - what to ask your doctor - adult
Symptoms of the common cold are a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms. Many different germs, called viruses, cause colds.
The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and (sometimes) lungs caused by the influenza virus.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider or nurse to help you take care of your cold or flu.
Questions
What are the symptoms of a cold? What are the symptoms of the flu? How can I tell them apart?
- Will I have a fever? How high? How long will it last? Can a high fever be dangerous?
- Will I have a cough? Sore throat? Runny nose? Headache? Other symptoms? How long will these symptoms last? Will I be tired or achy?
- How will I know if I have an ear infection?
- How will I know if I have pneumonia?
- How will I know I have swine (H1N1) flu or other flu?
Can I make other people sick? How can I prevent that? What should I do if I have a young child at home? How about somebody who is older?
When will I start to feel better?
What should I eat or drink? How much?
What medicines can I buy at the store to help with the symptoms?
- Can I take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)? How about acetaminophen (Tylenol)? How about cold medicines?
- Can my health care provider prescribe stronger medicines to help the symptoms?
- Can I take vitamins or herbs to make my cold or flu go away quicker? How do I know if they are safe?
Will antibiotics make my symptoms go away faster?
Are there other medicines that can make the flu go away faster?
How can I keep from getting a cold or the flu?
- Should I get a flu shot? What time of year should I get one? Do I need one or two every year? What are the risks of the flu shot? What are the risks for me if I do not get a flu shot? does the regular flu shot protect me against swine flu?
- Is a flu shot safe for me if I am pregnant?
- Will a flu shot keep me from getting colds all year long?
- Does my smoking or being around smokers cause me to get the flu more easily?
- Can I take vitamins or herbs to prevent the flu?
Alternate Names
What to ask your doctor about colds and the flu - adult; Influenza - what to ask your doctor - adult; Upper respiratory infection - what to ask your doctor - adult; URI - what to ask your doctor - adult; Swine (H1N1) flu - what to ask your doctor - adult
References
Turner RB. The common cold. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 369.
Hayden FG. Influenza.In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 372.
Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Page last updated: March 28, 2012.Accessed 5/13/2012
Seasonal flu: what to do if you get sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Page last updated: January 26, 2012. Accessed 5/13/2012
Update Date: 5/13/2012
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
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