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Question:
I have come down with some kind of "bug." How can I tell whether I have
the flu or some other respiratory illness, like the common cold?
Answer:
Influenza is a serious, highly contagious virus that can lead to
dangerous complications. Please refer to this chart if you suspect you may
have the flu.
| Signs & symptoms |
Influenza |
The common cold |
| Onset |
Sudden |
Gradual |
| Fever |
High
(over 101 F), lasting 3 - 4 days |
Rare |
| Cough |
Dry,
can become severe |
Hacking |
| Headache |
Prominent |
Rare |
| Muscle
aches/pains |
Usual,
often severe |
Slight |
| Tiredness/weakness |
Can
last up to 3 weeks |
Very
mild |
| Extreme exhaustion |
Early
and prominent |
Never |
| Chest
discomfort |
Common |
Mild
to moderate |
| Stuffy
nose |
Sometimes |
Common |
| Sneezing |
Sometimes |
Usual |
| Sore
throat |
Sometimes |
Common |
You may benefit from antiviral medication if you
contact your doctor as soon as possible after becoming ill. While these
medicines are not an instant cure, they can increase your chances of a
faster recovery.
Influenza is a virus, and therefore can not be
cured with antibiotics.
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Services
Immunization
Center
Parent Support Center
Family Planning Center
Education Centers
West Nile Virus Info
Hantavirus Awareness
Summary of
Diseases
For more information on
influenza including flu pandemic and avian flu, or to find out more
about our flu protection services, contact us at our Buffalo office.
Influenza vaccine clinics are conducted in Buffalo and Kaycee during
flu season.
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