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Cold or H1N1 (“Swine”) Flu?

Monday, September 7, 2009
Family

It’s true that moms worry, and the H1N1 flu virus has got us more worried than usual. Let’s agree to stay helpfully alert, not helplessly worried, with information on how to recognize symptoms of a common cold vs. symptoms of the flu. This following information is provided by WebMD; or print swinefluorcold.pdf for quick reference. Check out the Children’s Hospital website for additional flu information.

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.

In some cases, you may need to get medical attention IMMEDIATELY. 
In adults, signs of a crisis include:  
   • Severe chest pain
   • Severe headache
   • Shortness of breath
   • Dizziness
   • Confusion
   • Persistent vomiting
In children, signs of an emergency are:
   • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
   • Bluish skin color
   • Not drinking enough fluids
   • Lethargy and failure to interact normally
   • Extreme irritability or distress
   • Symptoms that were improving and
       then suddenly worsen
   • Fever with a rash
swinefluorcold.jpg

 

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