Respiratory Illnesses
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We understand that it is often hard to know whether your runny nose or cough is a result of the flu, a cold, allergies, or more recently from covid. To help you determine at home what you might be dealing with we have provided resources for you to reference. Our team at DFD is also available for triage calls and appointments to further diagnose your symptoms.
Determining Symptom Causes
| Symptom | Cold | Flu | COVID | Allergies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | Rarely | Usually | Usually | Rarely |
| Cough | Sometimes | Usually | Sometimes (dry) | Sometimes |
| Muscle Aches | Never | Usually | Sometimes | Never |
| Tiredness | Never | Usually | Usually | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Usually |
| Sore Throat | Usually | Usually | Usually | Sometimes |
| Runny/Stuffy Nose | Usually | Usually | Usually | Usually |
| Fever | Rarely | Usually | Sometimes | Never |
| Diarrhea | Usually | Sometimes (more common in children) | Sometimes | Never |
| Nausea/Vomiting | Sometimes | Sometimes (more common in children) | Sometimes | Never |
| Shortness of Breathe/Trouble Breathing | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loss of Taste/Smell | Never | Rarely | Sometimes (early, often w/o runny nose) | Sometimes |
| Itchy nose, eyes, mouth, inner ear | Sometimes | Never | ||
| Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Our team of nurses is always happy to speak with you about your symptoms and offer measures to take whether it be over the counter options or advise to schedule an appointment in the office or go to urgent care/Emergency Room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do if I Think I Have the One of These Conditions?
The most important thing to do if you are dealing with illness is to call our office to speak with a member of the nursing staff to determine the best course of action. For some, the Flu, COVID, and other conditions only produce mild symptoms, while others may require medical treatment. If you think you have something contagious, we advise that you remain at home and use a mask if you do choose to go out to prevent the spread of germs. While some over-the-counter options are available for patients to treat these conditions, the use of these should be in consult with our providers to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Who is Most Likely to Experience Complications of the Flu/COVID?
Who is Most Likely to Experience Complications of the Flu/COVID?
The Flu and COVID are most dangerous for the elderly, pregnant people, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions including obesity, asthma, and poor immune system. If you fall into one of these categories it is even more important that you contact the office to receive treatment.
Are There Medicines That Offer Treatment?
Whether you are sick with the Flu, COVID, a cold, or allergies there are over-the-counter and prescription medications that can offer relief. The right treatment can be offered by our providers by scheduling an appointment.
How Long Should I Stay at Home?
As long as you have a fever, patients should try to stay away from other people as much as possible. Patients should, ideally, avoid going out in public for at least a full day after the fever and other symptoms have subsided. Even if you never had a fever, you shouldn’t be around other people until their symptoms are completely gone.