COLD & FLU
If you have a high fever, sore throat, and can’t stop coughing, you may have a cold or the flu. At HELLOMED in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the experienced physicians are skilled at diagnosing and treating symptoms associated with the common cold or flu virus. They alleviate your discomfort and ensure you recover quickly from your illness. For proper diagnosis and treatment of the cold and flu, schedule an appointment online, by phone or just walk-in.
Cold, Cough, and Flu Q & A
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
The symptoms of a cold and the flu can be similar. Both conditions are common respiratory illnesses but are the result of different viruses. A proper medical diagnosis by the skilled doctors at HELLOMED can help determine if your illness is due to the common cold or a strain of the influenza virus.
Cold symptoms are typically milder than flu symptoms and involve a stuffy or runny nose, cough, and fever. Cold symptoms usually don’t evolve into more serious health complications. Flu symptoms can mimic cold symptoms and are more severe. They may include:
Chills
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can even result in death without treatment. Recovery from the flu can take several days to several weeks. Complications of the flu may include:
Sinus or ear infections
Asthma
Inflammation of the heart or brain
Organ failure
Sepsis
Your doctor at HELLOMED reviews your medical history and current symptoms. They also perform a physical exam that includes listening to your lungs and checking your ears and sinuses for signs of infection to determine if you have the flu or a cold.
What treatments are available for colds and flu?
If your doctor at HELLOMED determines you have a cold, they may recommend over-the-counter cold relieving medications to improve your breathing and reduce any fever. Colds typically resolve in a few days. If a fever remains or symptoms worsen, let your doctor know immediately.
If your doctor determines you have the flu, they recommend lots of rest. You also need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Your doctor may recommend medications to treat symptoms and body aches. They may also prescribe antiviral drugs to reduce the duration of your flu symptoms, and request that you avoid going to work or school until you recover.
How can I prevent colds and flu?
Your HELLOMED doctor provides lots of additional information on preventing colds and flu. Education is vital to the prevention and treatment of the cold and flu. Prevention methods include:
Frequent handwashing
Avoiding infected people
Good diet
Getting enough rest
Flu vaccine
Schedule an appointment online or by phone to learn more about effective cold and flu treatments. The clinic also happily accepts walk-ins!