So many New Yorkers are plagued right now with an awful cold- it starts in your sinuses, and then travels to your voice making you hoarse, and consume more tissues than should be humanly possible. Everyone seems to be coughing, blowing there nose and hoarse.
It's a good time to talk about how to know when you have a viral versus bacterial infection and whether antibiotics will work our not.
Viral Infections
*Viral infections are often feel worse than bacterial infections because they antibiotics DON'T have any effect on them.
* Simply put, we really have no good treatment for them other than rest & symptom relief.
* They can last anywhere for 10 -14 days with lingering effects for almost 3 weeks.
*May or may not be associated with a low grade fever. (99<100 F)
Bacterial Infections
* Respond very quickly (within 24-48 hours) to antibiotics.
* Typically are associated with a high grade fever (>101 F)
* Symptom relief medications help.
If you have any cold that lasts longer than 5 days you should see your doctor.
Best of luck staying warm and well in this cold weather!
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