Virus, Bacteria, or Allergy
Virus, bacteria or allergy --what is it that you likely have?
| Symptoms? |
Virus: |
Bacteria: |
Allergy: |
| Runny nose |
Often |
Rare |
Often |
| Aching Muscles |
Usual |
Rare |
No |
| Headache |
Often |
Rare |
No |
| Dizzy |
Often |
Rare |
Rare |
| Fever |
Often |
Often |
No |
| Cough |
Often |
Sometimes |
Rare |
| Dry cough |
Often |
Rare |
Sometimes |
| Raising sputum |
Rare |
Often |
Rare |
| Hoarseness |
Often |
Rare |
Rare |
| Recurs at particular season |
No |
No |
Often |
| Single complaint: sore throat, earache, sinus pain, cough |
Unusual |
Usual |
Unusual |
| Do antibiotics help? |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Can the doctor help? |
Seldom |
Yes |
Sometimes |
Note: viral infections and allergies do not improve with treatment by penicillin or other antibiotics. You may, however, relieve the symptoms with other medications.