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Viral Infections
- Colds and flu are both caused by viruses.
- The most common way to catch a cold or the flu is through contact with an infected person.
- The average adult has an estimated 2 to 4 colds every year.
- Cold symptoms usually clear up within about a week; flu symptoms tend to last for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Viruses can cause yellow or green mucus drainage.
- Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as colds and flu; treating symptoms with OTC medication is a better option.
Preventing Colds And Flu
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Cold vs Flu
How To Tell The Difference
When symptoms start, it can be hard to tell whether you have a cold or the flu. However, a few distinctive signs of each illness can help you tell them apart (see table below).
| Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever |
Rare |
Common, usually 102-104 degrees F, lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache |
Rare |
Common |
| Body Aches |
Mild |
Common, often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness |
Mild |
Common, severe early on, can last 2 to 3 weeks |
| Stuffy nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Sneezing |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Sore Throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Cough, Chest Discomfort |
Mild to moderate hacking cough |
Common, can become severe |
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WEST RALEIGH OFFICE
4600 Lake Boone Trail,
Suite 100,
Raleigh,
NC
27607
Phone: (919) 787-1374
> MAP
WAKE FOREST OFFICE
835B Wake Forest Business Park,
Wake Forest,
NC
27587
Phone: (919) 556-8454
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GARNER OFFICE
300 HealthPark Drive,
Suite 210,
Garner,
NC
27529
Phone: (919) 662-8181
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The Garner Office
has moved to:
300 HealthPark Drive,
Suite 210,
Garner, NC 27529
Phone: (919) 662-8181
> MAP
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