GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- The abnormal winter we've experienced this season doesn't mean you don't have to worry about the cold or flu this season. It is a good idea to have the knowledge to help you look for certain symptoms that differentiate a common cold with something more serious.
Many of us are guilty of letting a cold or sickness run its course, but a cold is not the same as the flu, bronchitis or even pneumonia. And having the ability to detect these symptoms may better your chances of having a speedy recovery this winter.
More than three million people develop pneumonia in the United States every year and almost half have to be hospitalized. Many suffer respiratory failure, the main cause of death in pneumonia patients.
Bronchitis can also cause complications for many during this season. Bronchitis causes inflammation of the main passageways to the lungs and can develop into pneumonia if untreated.
The flu can mimic pneumonia and bronchitis but can usually be treated at home with adequate amounts of rest and fluids.
Knowing some symptoms of these severe illnesses can help you early on to determine whether you have a cold or something more serious like the flu, pneumonia or a bronchial infection.
Symptoms in adults:
• High fever (Over 103) or fever comes AFTER you have had the cold for a few days
• Chest pain that gets worse when you cough or breathe deeply
• Extreme fatigue, dizziness, short of breath
• Coughing up mucous or even blood
• Decreased appetite
Symptoms in children:
• Cyanosis - Lips or nailbeds turn blue
• Difficulty breathing - chest retracts (skin pulls in and out between each rib or child is straining their neck muscles with each breath) or nasal flaring
• Vomiting and/or not eating or drinking
• Coughing up mucous or blood
• High fever (Over 102 degrees)
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