Posted by Time Laboratories on 1/10/2022 to
An upper respiratory infection (URI) is commonly known as a cold. Little needs to be said about the symptoms because they are all too familiar, frustrating and annoying. They are almost always viral infections, and antibiotics that are effective against bacteria are NOT effective, and should NOT be used. Antibiotics will not shorten the duration of these kinds of infections. Their unwarranted use develops resistant strains of bacteria, and can sometimes cause you to become allergic to the entire class of antibiotics. Antibiotics have many side effects. Currently most physicians recommend antibiotics be considered if there are symptoms remaining after 10 days. There are anti viral drugs that can be used against influenza, but they are specific to the type of virus. |
| See Dr Jones recommendations for Upper Respiratory Infections |
Cold vs H1N1 (swine) Flu Symptoms | ||
Symptom | Cold | H1N1 (swine) Flu |
| Fever | Fever is rare with a cold | 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100' or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu. |
| Cough | A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold | A non-productive (non mucus-producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as a dry cough) |
| Aches | Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold | Severe aches and pains are common with the flu |
| Stuffy Nose | Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week | Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu |
| Chills | Chills are common with a cold | 60% of people who have the flu experience chills |
| Chest Discomfort | Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold | Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu |
| Tiredness | Tiredness is fair;y mild with a cold | Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu |
| Sneezing | Sneezing is commonly present with a cold | Sneezing is not common with the flu |
| Sudden Symptoms | Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days | The flu has a rapid onset within 3 to 6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains |
| Headache | a headache is fairly uncommon with a cold | A headache is very common with the flu. It is present in 80% of f;u cases |
| Sore Throat | Sore throat is commonly present with a cold | Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu |
| These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. | ||