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.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> (Gross stuff ahead)
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> 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.
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> 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?).
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> 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
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:612127
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20060202/msgs/612277.html