i have cold and flu? v

Question

Answer 1

Happens to many: Adults' over-the-counter medicines for colds are ok to use if one follows the labels' instructions, stays below maximum doses, and is not using more than one medicine of each type. Fever and pain reducers include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cough meds include Robitussin (some people use DM, some avoid it). Decongestants and antihistamines include Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, Benadryl, etc...

Answer 2

Missing a question !: To get the most from this site you need to provide background information and then ask a related question. How do you know you have either ? Was a flu test run ? Is it within the first 48 hrs when anti-flu meds might help ? Without this info we can just offer general advise. Stay hydrated & use pain or fever meds as needed. Avoid aspirin.

Answer 3

Yes: Several issues of concern will need to be addressed; age of your child, environmental exposures to include daycare attendance and secondary smoke, growth and development, and your child's ability to ward off infections. A visit with your pcp will allow a thorough assessment to determine the cause and consequently the appropriate management to promote your child's health.

Answer 4

No: If they are all just colds, her immune system is doing her job -- stopping infections at the nose and not letting them further in. If it's allergy, or if she has many ear infections or bronchitis or worse, that would be cause for concern.

Answer 5

Also: check vitamin D levels and rule out IgG deficiency

Answer 6

Probably not much: There is some german literature that shows minor benefit.

Answer 7

No : Believe me, if it did, i would take it! (and so would every other doctor in the world).

Answer 8

No: There are several studies that clearly show that zinc is not helpful in the treatment of the common cold (although one recent study slightly points otherwise). Additionally zinc can be poorly tolerated in tablet or lozenge form causing nausea. A nasal spray form of zinc, sold as zicam, has actually been shown to permenantly damage the sense of smell. Do not use zinc as treatment for colds.

Answer 9

Yes: Technically, it does - a recent review of zinc has shown it to be effective in shortening the common cold, but its use was limited by intolerable side effects. Given the common cold will resolve in a few days no matter what you do, trying zinc and risking the side effects might just not be worth it.

Answer 10

Very serious: Malaria is a potentially fatal infection with a parasite that is transmitted by mosquito bite. It can cause fever, anemia, brain swelling, lung injury and death. It is responsible for 1 million deaths a year, mostly in underdeveloped countries. This is tragic since it is treatable with support and medicine active against the parasite. It is preventable with measures to control mosquitoes.

Answer 11

Many differences: Cold is usually a contagious viral infection of the lining of the throat. Malaria is a mosquito transmitted protozoa which causes disease of the liver and blood cells, serious fever, and can be lethal or chronic. It is a plague of the tropics and a high cause of childhood death. It is not infectious from person to person (unless they shared blood somehow). So quite different than a cold.

Answer 12

Maybe but ...: When you take zinc tablets/syrup for a cold, you may be sick for a shorter period of time and your cold symptoms may not be so severe. Sounds good, right? Only problem - side effects. Some folks hate the taste. Other folks get sick stomachs from it. Don't use the zinc nasal spray, which can cause permanent loss of smell. ::passes you the chicken soup and kleenex::.

Answer 13

Uncertain: There is significant variability in the results from research on the impact of zinc on the common cold. Some studies showed no effect and others showed benefit if taken the first day of symptom onset. Do not take zinc intranasally due to the potential for loss of sense of smell.

i have cold and flu? v

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Similar questions

Should I be concerned that my daughter is getting colds repeatedly?

Does echinacea work against the common cold?

Does zinc work against the common cold?

Is malaria a serious illness, or is it like the common cold?

Is zinc an effective treatment for the common cold?

Related questions

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Found in:

People also asked

Related topics

Disclaimer:

Get the free app for Members

Get the free app for Doctors