Cold versus Flu

How can you tell if you have a cold of the flu? Well, Dr. Carm is going to help you find out!

The cold and flu have many similar symptoms and can be confusing to tell which one is which. Let’s see how much you know already.  Below are some symptoms relating to the common cold and influenza.  Some symptoms overlap both, but try to match up the symptom most commonly associated with the illness.

 

Congestion                         Cough  

Fever                                    Headache
Low-grade Fever              Muscle-aches
Runny Nose                       Sore Throat

 

Cold	Flu

 

All set? Double check your answers…. *waits patiently*

Is this your final answer? Okay…

Let’s see how you did….

 

Cold

Most common symptoms of the cold include: Sore throats, runny noses, low-grade fevers, and congestions

Flu

Most common symptoms of the flu include:  coughs, fevers, muscle-aches, and headaches

With both of these illnesses, you usually do not need to see the doctor.  Rest, liquids, and some over the counter drugs can help—as well as some “homemade” treatments.  If your symptoms do not go away (or improve) within about a week, you might have a bacterial infection.  In which case, you will need an antibiotic prescribed by your physician.

You ask: Dr. Carm can you write me a prescription?

Well, Dr. Carm can write you one, but it might not be accepted when you take it to the pharmacist (or chemist).

 

Some tips:

Remember to read the ingredients (and instructions) if you are taking over the counter drugs.  For instance, some medication includes a pain reliever in addition to congestion relief.

If you are taking prescription medication, ask your doctor about any drug interactions before taking any over the counter medications.

For people who have heart disease, Dr. Carm suggests that you stay away from decongestants (unless your doctor tells you otherwise).  Decongestants can increase your blood pressure.  You can try taking an antihistamine instead.

Remember to wash your hands and practice other sanity methods when you are sick.

Rest as you are able, and try to stay away from young children and the elderly.

And finally….Don’t be a baby! We all get sick.  Yes, you are miserable, but it does go away.

 

Related Posts:

I’m Sick: To Go or Not to Go to the Doctors 
Calling Off of Work (short story)  
Sneeze Record  

Additional Readings:

Cold, Flu, & Cough Health Center  

Cold Versus Flu  

Is It a Cold or the Flu?  

 

Tooth Problems

Believe it or not, Dr. Carm has had trouble with bad teeth (despite brushing). I know what you’re thinking. Dr. Carm is perfect? How is this possible? Do not fret my dear patients! Dr. Carm is perfect.

Having tooth pain, cavities, root canals, teeth pulled, etc. is not fun. I’m sure most people have had an encounter with at least one of these toothy problems in their lifetime. Bad habits, diet, and even dentists can be the cause of tooth troubles.

Not long ago, Dr. Carm came across a blog written by Dr. Ellie. In this blog, she discussed the ins and outs of teeth and tooth decay. Some interesting facts focused on learning how the pH balance in your mouth affects the health of your teeth. Dr. Carm won’t go over everything in her writings; you can read that on your own here. 

Essentially, she came up with this system for keeping your teeth healthy and clean. She even said that this system can help reverse cavities. Sounds nice, huh?

The system is basically this:

Once in the morning and once at night, you....

1. Rinse with Closys

2. Brush with Crest Original Regular Cavity Protection toothpaste

3. Rinse with Listerine (original/regular)

4. Rinse with ACT original

Products outside the US can be found here on her site.

During the day you take xylitol (as a mint or gum; or mixed in water or food.) 

 [Again I direct you to her website for more information on the steps and why she suggested those particular products in that order.]

If you floss, Dr. Ellie suggested to floss before rinsing. She also said that complete results can take up to two years, but you should start seeing results before then. There were claims from people who have tried this system saying their small cavities have disappeared in six months.

 Does it really work? Well, Dr. Carm tried the system for about 3 months before she went to the dentist to get some teeth fixed. It didn’t get rid of the cavities, but the dentist commented that Dr. Carm’s mouth was very clean and helped to keep the one cavity from spreading farther down under the gum. Once everything was fixed, Dr. Carm went back six months later for a cleaning. No cavities! In summary, it seems to work well with prevention rather than fixing problems.

Key Points on Dr. Ellie's system experienced by Dr. Carm:

1. The system is affordable. For example, at Walgreens, total for all system products is around $20.  (This should last you a while.)

2. The system did not actually “fix” any cavities or showed signs of fixing--although Dr. Carm's cavities were not small.

3. The system provides a clean mouth.

4. It is good prevention for those who have higher risk for cavities when brushing alone is not working.

Related Posts:

Sweets and Sugars

I Ate Too much Candy

Further Reading Outside Dr. Carm's Blog:

Truth About Health Teeth

Interesting Facts About Dentists and Dentistry