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Fall
As summer ends and school
resumes, the nights get
cooler, leaves begin to
fall, and autumn
illnesses emerge.
It is also a time when
people often exhibit allergy
or cold symptoms or even a
sore throat that could be strep throat.
Colds: What’s the difference
between a cold and allergy
symptoms? What causes them?
Colds are caused by viruses, while
allergies are caused by a person
coming into contact with
allergens –
substances in the
environment
that cause an allergic reaction in
that particular
person.
For most people, the
symptoms of colds and
allergies are similar, but they do differ in two
respects. A fever is common with a cold, while
people suffering from allergies do not have a fever.
Also, cold symptoms usually last 3 - 7 days, while
allergy symptoms may last an entire season.
Does change in temperature
cause a cold?
No. While many people believe the
answer is “yes,” a connection has
never been shown to exist between
changes in air temperature and
catching a cold.
Is there a cure for the
common cold?
No. There are more than 200 different viruses
that can cause colds, and thus far, it has not
been possible to develop a specific cure for
each virus.
How long does a cold last?
The typical cold lasts 3 - 7 days. If symptoms last
longer than 7 days, an evaluation by a physician
may be needed to determine if you have something
more severe.
What are the most effective
treatments for a
cold?
The best
treatment
for a cold is for
the affected
person to rest
and drink plenty
of liquids.
What if my cold seems to be
getting worse or I develop
other symptoms?
Most colds do not evolve into a more serious condition,
but occasionally this may occur. If symptoms worsen
instead of improve, or if new symptoms develop, then it
is a good idea to see a physician.
What is the difference between
a Sore Throat and Strep Throat?
A sore throat may be caused by a viral or a bacterial
infection of the throat. Strep throat is due to a
specific bacterium called streptococcus that causes
the sore throat.
Can strep throat be fatal?
Yes. If left untreated, in a small percentage of
people, a strep infection may spread from the throat
to deeper tissues, and the strep bacteria may also
damage the kidneys and the valves of the heart.
These adverse effects may be life-threatening.
Is strep throat contagious?
Yes, strep throat is spread by person to person contact.
How is strep throat treated?
Oral penicillin is the drug of choice for the treatment
of strep throat. Penicillin-related antibiotics or other
antibiotics may be prescribed based on a given
patient’s situation. Antibiotics do not help a person
who has a sore throat due to a viral infection.
What time of year is strep
throat most prevalent?
Strep throat is most prevalent in the spring and
winter months.
How long does it take for strep
throat to resolve?
Strep throat is typically treated with a 10-day course
of antibiotics to be sure to prevent kidney and heart
damage. However, a person with a strep throat is no
longer contagious after taking antibiotics for 24 hours.
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