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Abstract. The Common Cold And Influenza Are Two Common

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Abstract
The common cold and Influenza are two common illnesses of the upper respiratory tract. These illness can often be mistaken for each other due to the overlapping symptoms. The two symptoms that seem to present when the flu is occurring are a fever with a cough. Prevention is also similar for both of the illnesses with the exception of an actual vaccine that can be administered annually for flu prevention. Diagnosis can occur in the physicians office according to the individuals symptoms that are presenting or by completing an rapid flu test. Treatments are also similar for both the common cold and the flu because they are both caused by viruses, therefore a patient would not benefit from antibiotic therapy. With educating the …show more content…

The symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection can be caused by several other viruses and bacteria. It is important to seek proper medical treatment to receive the correct diagnosis, which will prevent severe illness and from spreading to other people.
The Common Cold. An acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract is often spread by hand contact from an infected person. This may be from direct, indirect, or aerosol of the secretions and the virus (Allan and Arroll, pg 190). The common cold is often less severe than the flu but has similar symptoms. The cold typically is a shorter mild illness with symptoms gradually occurring. It is known to start with sneezing, sore throat, possible chills, and headache. As the cold enhances the patient may present with nasal drainage or congestion and cough. A cold is preventable with physical interventions, probiotics, and exercise. Physical interventions are extremely important in preventing illness and preventing the illness from spreading. These interventions can include hand washing, using alcohol based solutions, gloves, masks, and gowns (Allan and Arroll, pg 192). The most common treatments for the common cold include antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, and acetaminophen. "One study of guaifenesin found no benefit; in another, 75% of participants reported that guaifenesin was helpful for their cough, compared with 31% given placebo (Allan

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