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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by joslynn on February 22, 2006, at 16:07:27
For the past five days or so, I have had a stuffy/runny nose, a little achey, and post-nasal drip that makes me cough loud and a lot.
How do I know if this is a virus, which cannot be fixed with antibiotics, versus an infection, which can?
I have had this type of thing before, and when I go to the dr, it's usually a waste of time because I don't have a fever and it is not in my chest. So they just send me out and say to gargle with salt water and drink fluids...which is fine, but I don't want to waste my time and be exposed to dr's office germs just to hear that.
So I am holding off on going to the doctor. They never give antibiotics unless it has gone on a very long time or there is a fever.
(Gross stuff ahead)
The mucus is not green, it's the normal color, and I don't feel feverish. However, I have lost my thermometer so I am not sure.
I am taking some leftover prescription pseudovent (sp? a decongestant) from last time I had a bad cold (which was only four months ago, what is going on?).
Should I go to dr or not? Thanks.
Posted by James K on February 22, 2006, at 19:51:08
In reply to how to tell if cold virus or infection?, posted by joslynn on February 22, 2006, at 16:07:27
I'd say no. It would be a waste of time and money. But pay attention to the symptoms, so if something gets worse, or obvious, you can give a detailed report of how long, how bad, etc.
If you are in US, i recomend generic robitussin type cough syrup with the guaffesion (sp) for the chest clearing. and some psuedophed to take as needed for nasal congestion.
These could potentially interfere with meds you may take, so don't just take my word.
I'm no expert, but you asked and that is what I would do in the circumstance.
James K
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 22, 2006, at 22:33:09
In reply to how to tell if cold virus or infection?, posted by joslynn on February 22, 2006, at 16:07:27
> For the past five days or so, I have had a stuffy/runny nose, a little achey, and post-nasal drip that makes me cough loud and a lot.
>
> How do I know if this is a virus, which cannot be fixed with antibiotics, versus an infection, which can?> I have had this type of thing before, and when I go to the dr, it's usually a waste of time because I don't have a fever and it is not in my chest. So they just send me out and say to gargle with salt water and drink fluids...which is fine, but I don't want to waste my time and be exposed to dr's office germs just to hear that.
>
> So I am holding off on going to the doctor. They never give antibiotics unless it has gone on a very long time or there is a fever.
>
> (Gross stuff ahead)
>
> The mucus is not green, it's the normal color, and I don't feel feverish. However, I have lost my thermometer so I am not sure.
>
> I am taking some leftover prescription pseudovent (sp? a decongestant) from last time I had a bad cold (which was only four months ago, what is going on?).
>
> Should I go to dr or not? Thanks.Not.
There are three families of viruses that can give you those symptoms, exactly as described.
If you develop laboured breathing, spike a fever over 102 for more than 48 hours, or develop technicolor snot, then I'd go see the doctor.
If you leave it alone you'll feel better in a week. If you take antibiotics, you'll feel better in seven days.
Lar
Posted by LegWarmers on February 23, 2006, at 20:16:34
In reply to Re: how to tell if cold virus or infection? » joslynn, posted by Larry Hoover on February 22, 2006, at 22:33:09
>
> If you leave it alone you'll feel better in a week. If you take antibiotics, you'll feel better in seven days.
>
> Lar
>hmm, then don't you think she should take antibiotics ; )?
Posted by Ilene on February 23, 2006, at 20:58:44
In reply to how to tell if cold virus or infection?, posted by joslynn on February 22, 2006, at 16:07:27
I had something similar that lodged in my sinuses. My doc thought it was an infection, and I went thru 3 (useless) courses of antibiotics. All I got was a screwed-up stomach.
After several weeks I went and had a CAT scan of the sinuses, which showed them free of infection. By that time it had started clearing up by myself. It was either a persistant virus or an allergy.
I think you should steer clear of antibiotics unless it's clear you need them. Colored snot is a good indicator. Antibiotics have a bad effect on the gut and overprescribing creates resistant strains of bacteria.
On the other hand, if you feel very bad you should go to the doctor.
I.
Posted by joslynn on March 5, 2006, at 22:03:23
In reply to Re: how to tell if cold virus or infection? » joslynn, posted by Ilene on February 23, 2006, at 20:58:44
Thanks for the answers.
Update: I didn't go to the doctor, and it did evenutally go away by itself. But it lasted for almost two weeks straight!
I am glad I didn't take antibiotics and that I held out to wait for my body to fight it off.
I have been washing my hands more at work. I really do not want to get another cold that lasts two weeks! It kicks up depression stuff too.
So it sounds like everyone was right and it was a virus, not an infection. Thanks for the answers!
This is the end of the thread.
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