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Cold and Flu Treatment
in Palmdale, CA
home | services | urgent care | Cold and Flu Treatment
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When to See a Doctor for the Flu
The flu can be more severe than the common cold, so if your symptoms are persistent or severe, it’s time to visit a healthcare professional like Dr. Katayoun Motlagh. She can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Common Cold Symptoms
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Sneezing
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Body aches
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Fatigue and muscle weakness
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Runny nose
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Stuffy nose/congestion
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Flu Symptoms
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Flu symptoms are generally more intense than cold symptoms and can include:
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Fever
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Congestion
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Sore throat
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Headache
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Muscle aches and soreness
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Cough
If you experience severe symptoms or if your symptoms persist beyond a reasonable amount of time, it’s crucial to consult with Dr. Motlagh. She can help determine whether you have the flu or another condition and recommend the most effective treatment to get you back to feeling well.
How Is A Cold Or Flu Diagnosed?
If you suspect you might have a common cold or the flu, here's how a diagnosis is typically made:
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Symptom Evaluation: Dr. Katayoun Motlagh will start by evaluating your symptoms. She'll ask about the nature, onset, and duration of your symptoms to distinguish between a viral and bacterial infection.
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Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam will be conducted. This may include listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for signs of pneumonia or other complications.
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Medical History: Your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, recent illnesses, or exposure to others who are sick, will be reviewed. This helps in assessing your risk and guiding the diagnostic process.
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Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs): For flu symptoms, RIDTs can be used to detect the presence of influenza viruses. These tests involve a nasal or throat swab and can provide results quickly, although they're not always 100% accurate.
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Additional Tests: In some cases, additional tests like a chest X-ray or blood tests may be necessary to rule out other infections or complications.
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Once Dr. Motlagh has gathered all the necessary information, she will determine if your symptoms are due to a viral infection like the common cold or flu, or something else. Based on the diagnosis, you'll receive appropriate treatment and guidance to help you recover as quickly as possible.
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How Is A Cold Or Flu Treated?
Treating the common cold or flu involves different approaches depending on the severity and type of infection. Here are some of the treatment options that Dr. Katayoun Motlagh might recommend:
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Over-the-Counter Medications
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Fever Reducers: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce fever and alleviate pain.
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Pain Relievers: These can help with body aches and discomfort.
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Cough Suppressants: To help manage a persistent cough, medications such as dextromethorphan might be recommended.
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Nasal Decongestants: These can relieve nasal congestion and make breathing easier.
Prescription Antiviral Medications
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Tamiflu (oseltamivir): This antiviral can shorten the duration of flu symptoms if taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
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Relenza (zanamivir): Another antiviral that works similarly to Tamiflu and is used to treat flu symptoms.
Preventative Measures
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Flu Shot: Getting an annual flu shot can help prevent future viral infections and reduce the severity of symptoms if you do catch the flu.
