Am I sick?

Question

I have a sore throat, stuffy, sometimes runny, nose and I get a little hotter than usual. If I am sick, what would it be?

Answer 1

You might have the common colds or the flu. The symptoms for both are almost the same. Both can have sore throats, stuffy and runny nose. Both can have coughs.
While colds and flus may overlap, the differences between them are important.

The common cold is centered in the nose.


Over 200 different types of viruses can cause a cold. Rhinoviruses, which means "nose viruses", are the most common cause.

The three most frequent symptoms of a cold are nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and runny nose. Throat irritation is often involved (but not with a red throat). Adults and older children with colds generally have minimal or no fever. Infants and toddlers often run a fever in the 100 to 102 degree range.



Once you have "caught" a cold, the symptoms begin in 1 to 5 days. Usually irritation in the nose or a scratchy feeling in the throat is the first sign, followed within hours by sneezing and a watery nasal discharge.


Within one to three days, the nasal secretions usually become thicker and perhaps yellow or green -- this is a normal part of the common cold and not a reason for antibiotics.


The entire cold is usually over all by itself in about 7 days, with perhaps a few lingering symptoms (cough) for another week. If it lasts longer, consider another problem, such as a sinus infection or allergies.


While it lasts, the common cold is primarily a head cold. While you may feel tired or have aches, the illness is centered in the nose, and most of the symptoms are above the neck.

With the flu, you are sick all over.

A single family of viruses -- the influenza viruses -- causes the flu. Most people get the flu once every year or two or three, and the illness is unpleasant but not usually dangerous. Unlike the common cold, both adults and children with the flu generally have a fever.

Classically, the flu begins abruptly, with a fever in the 102 to 106 degree range (with adults on the lower end of the spectrum), a flushed face, body aches, and marked lack of energy. Some people have other systemic symptoms such as dizziness or vomiting. The fever usually lasts for a day or two, but can last five days

Symptoms of the flu are fever; head dry cough; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.

Another big difference is that flu can be prevented by the yearly flu vaccine shots.

As you didn't mention muscle aches or achy all over, most likely, it's just the common cold.


There are, however, many ways to relieve the symptoms associated with a cold.
Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter cold remedies may help ease your symptoms. These won't actually shorten the length of a cold, but can help you feel better.


Antibiotics should not be used to treat a common cold. They will not help and may make the situation worse. Thick yellow or green nasal discharge is not a reason for antibiotics, unless it doesn't get better within 10 to 14 days. (In this case, it may be sinusitis).

New antiviral drugs could make runny noses completely clear up a day sooner than usual (and begin to ease the symptoms within a day). It’s unclear whether the benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks.

Chicken soup has been used for treating common colds at least since the 12th century. It may really help. The heat, fluid, and salt may help you fight the infection

Here are five proven ways to reduce exposure to germs:

1) Switch day care: Using a day care where there are six or fewer children dramatically reduces germ contact.
2) Wash hands
3) Use instant hand sanitizers: A little dab will kill 99.99% of germs without any water or towels. The products use alcohol to destroy germs. They are an antiseptic, not an antibiotic, so resistance can't develop.
5) Disinfect: Clean commonly touched surfaces (sink handles, sleeping mats) with an EPA-approved disinfectant.


Here are seven ways to support the immune system:

-Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: The more people use antibiotics, the more likely they are to get sick with longer, more stubborn infections caused by more resistant organisms in the future.
-Breastfeed: Breast milk is known to protect against respiratory tract infections, even years after breastfeeding is done. Kids who don't breastfeed average five times more ear infections.
-Avoid second-hand smoke: Keep as far away from it as possible! It is responsible for many health problems, including millions of colds.
-Get enough sleep: Late bedtimes and poor sleep leave people vulnerable.
-Drink water: Your body needs fluids for the immune system to function properly.
-Eat yogurt: The beneficial bacteria in some active yogurt cultures help prevent colds.
-Take zinc: children and adults who are zinc deficient get more infections and stay sick longer.

Answer 2

Probably just a mild cold. You would get through is quite quickly with a bit of light exercise, some rest and relaxation, and lots of juice and water. Avoid taking medicine. While they temporarily aleviate symptoms, it doesn't do anything to actauly cure a cold. And try to have a positive attitude. These are the things I do, and, I never ever get sick!!! (If I do it's always very mild.) Good luck.

Answer 3

A cold. If it doesn't gradually clear up in a few days, and you get a higher fever, get thee to a physcian. If you detect an infection, doc might put you on a regimen of antibiotics. Ever had the flu? It's BAD! Get a flu shot every year about this time, for a 95% chance of avoiding it.

Answer 4

You could have a mild cold. Its okay. Just take something for your sorethroat and your runny nose should go away in a couple of days. If not see your doctor to see if he/she could prescibe anything that might help you get better faster. Best of luck!

Answer 5

um im not sure what's going on could just be the common cold.


**covers mouth and back outta here**

Answer 6

yeah, your sick. go to your doctors office and get some antibiotics.

Answer 7

Call your doctor. . . .