Sore throat, headache, stuffy nose – you’re sick. The question is “with what?” The symptoms of a cold, strep throat, and even the flu have some similarities. Strep throat and the flu are highly contagious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Even if you’re just suffering from a cold, it’s best to get plenty of rest and take care of yourself.
I’ve Got a Sore Throat, Headache, and Stuffy Nose
So how do you know what’s wrong? Here are some common symptoms of a cold, strep throat, and the flu.
Common Cold Symptoms
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Sore throat
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Headache
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Nasal congestion
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Chest congestion
A cold usually lasts around a week. You can usually treat a common cold with over the counter medications and by drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of rest. You don’t normally need to see a physician for a cold unless you experience severe symptoms that could be signs of something worse, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Strep Throat Symptoms
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Sore throat
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Headache
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Swollen glands
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Red tonsils, sometimes with white spots
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires medical attention. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications, such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
Influenza (Flu) Symptoms
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Sore throat, headache, runny nose, cough
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Fever and chills lasting multiple days
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Body aches and severe fatigue
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that comes on suddenly, unlike a cold. For young children and older adults, the flu can be dangerous, even life threatening. The Center for Disease Control recommends anyone over 6 months get a flu shot.
If you feel any of these symptoms, you can get your flu shot, or rapid strep test at FastMed – just type in your zip code to find an office near you. If you come down with the flu, our medical team can provide antiviral drugs that may help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Sore throat, headache, and runny nose – FastMed is here to help seven days a week.
About FastMed
FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.