Is it flu, COVID-19, a cold or allergies?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 发烧等症状, 喉咙沙哑, runny nose or cough may not have given much cause for concern. Now, every symptom is suspect as we question ourselves - is it flu, COVID-19, a cold or allergies?

This time of year often brings a host of respiratory illnesses and ailments. The diagnosis and treatment depend on the source of the symptoms.

In the case of a cold, flu or COVID-19, the illness is caused by harmful bacteria or viruses. The immune system strikes at these invaders, which have the potential to harm the body.

过敏, the body mistakes a harmless material, 比如花粉或灰尘, 对于一个危险的入侵者. It then launches an attack that results in symptoms associated with allergies.

While colds are usually just inconvenient, COVID-19 and flu can cause life-threatening complications, 特别是对于 高危人群 . Allergies can also be serious and sometimes lead to chronic respiratory diseases, like asthma.

症状

Unfortunately, many respiratory illnesses have the same symptoms, such as:

• 咳嗽
• 喉咙痛
• 交通拥堵
• 头痛
• 乏力

Flu and COVID-19 may also cause fever, body aches, nausea and vomiting.

Two symptoms unique to COVID-19 are shortness of breath/difficulty breathing and a new loss of taste or smell.

治疗

In order to accurately diagnose your condition and plan for appropriate treatment, it is important for you to consult with your health care provider. Many people will experience mild symptoms from flu, COVID-19 and colds and recover on their own.

对于那些患流感的人, a health care provider may prescribe anti-virals to lessen the severity of the illness. 重要的是要知道 警告标志 of complications and seek medical attention right away if necessary.

对于感冒， 营养的饮食 and time are often the best treatments. Sometimes, over-the-counter medicines and antibiotics can be used to treat cold-like symptoms.

Although t在这里 is no cure for allergies, t在这里 are many treatment options available, including medication that can decrease symptoms and prevent infections.

Once your respiratory illness is identified, prevention measures (link to 8 Things to do to stop the flu) should also focus on reducing exposure, 在可能的情况下, 对于过敏原, viruses or bacteria that cause your symptoms.

Check out the Center for Disease Control's 冠状病毒症状检查器 to see how your symptoms measure up. Or, use this chart (link to symptoms graphic) to compare your symptoms.

在线体育投注 can help you navigate the upcoming respiratory season. To locate the clinic convenient to you, click 在这里. You also may call North Oaks Physician Group at (985) 230-APPT [2778] or (844) APPT-NOW [277-8669]for an appointment.

For more articles about this year's flu season, please visit our 流感季节 博客.

来源:www.疾病预防控制中心.政府