Cold or H1N1 (“Swine”) Flu?

If you already have flu or cold symptoms, it’s important to
call your doctor if you also have any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent fever – This can be a sign of a bacterial infection that should be treated.

• Painful swallowing – Although a sore throat from a cold or flu can cause mild discomfort, severe pain could mean strep throat, which requires treatment by a doctor.

• Persistent coughing – When a cough doesn’t go away after two or three weeks, it could be bronchitis, which may need an antibiotic. Postnasal drip or sinusitis can also result in a persistent cough.

• Persistent congestion and headaches – When colds and allergies cause congestion and blockage of sinus passages, they can lead to sinus infection. If you have pain around the eyes and face with thick nasal discharge after a week, you may have a bacterial infection and need an antibiotic.