You and your family are not alone if you are currently dealing with a sore throat or cough. As winter sets in, it seems like everyone is feeling ill. Knowing which condition you have, however, might help you take appropriate actions to get better.
Here below are some of the most common respiratory diseases, along with the symptoms and indicators of each and treatment recommendations.
Cold
The rhinovirus that causes the common cold causes milder symptoms such a runny nose, sneezing, or a minor cough. Most people can work normally, but almost everyone has an unique disease experience. The best defense against the common cold is rest and staying hydrated. Despite the lack of a cure, symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
Flu
The influenza virus is the cause of the flu, which frequently occurs unexpectedly and has a seasonal cycle. It causes high fevers, coughing, bodily aches, exhaustion, and appetite loss and is seen all around the world. Like the typical cold, the flu requires self-care. To prevent spreading the illness to others, you should wait until at least 24 hours after your fever has passed before going out.
COVID-19
Fever, coughing, runny nose, body aches, and loss of taste and smell are some of the symptoms of COVID-19. The increased mortality rate makes it more serious. Isolation and medical consultation are the best courses of action if you believe you have COVID-19.
RSV
You may have heard about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which primarily affects elderly people and young children. RSV can impact the nose, throat, and lungs, among other parts of the respiratory system. While the virus often manifests as a cold in most individuals, it can be deadly in certain people because it can cause serious illnesses like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. While saline nasal drops and a humidifier can help alleviate symptoms at home, a visit to the doctor is necessary for more severe cases.
When to consult a healthcare provider
If your child’s or your own symptoms don’t go better after a week, or if you’re worried about your current symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. Try scheduling a virtual care appointment with a service like Maple if you don’t want to wait at a busy clinic. This service allows you to contact a Canadian-licensed physician or nurse practitioner from the convenience of your home in a matter of minutes, day or night.
Learn more about your cough at: https://newscanada.com/en/What-does-your-cough-mean–139613
Reference: https://newscanada.com/
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