Common cold
The common cold generally involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms.
Learn more about the common cold in our health encyclopedia.
Influenza and flu shots
Commonly known as the flu, influenza is a respiratory (nose, throat, lungs) illness cause by influenza viruses (germs). An annual flu shot is one of the best ways to avoid a bad case of the flu.
Ear infection
While there are different types of ear infections, the most common is called otitis media, which means an inflammation and infection of the middle ear.
Strep throat
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is the most common bacterial infection of the throat.
Runny nose
A runny nose can be due to colds, allergies, sinus infections or the flu. The nose is runny when there is an excess of mucus secretions.
Muscle aches
Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain can be a sign of an infection like the flu that affects your whole body.
Dizziness
Dizziness is light-headedness, feeling like you might faint, being unsteady, loss of balance, or vertigo (a feeling that you or the room is spinning or moving).
Fever
Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature, in response to some disease or illness.
Cough
Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However, excessive coughing may mean you have an illness.
Hoarseness
Hoarseness is having difficulty producing sound when trying to speak, or a change in the pitch or quality of the voice. The voice may sound weak, very breathy, scratchy, or husky.
Asthma
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases. It makes it difficult to breathe.
Hand washing
Cleansing hands is the easiest way to reduce the risk of spreading germs that cause infections.
Virus or bacteria?
Most infections are caused by a virus or bacteria.
- Viruses cause the flu and the common cold. Antibiotic medicine cannot cure viral infections. But a doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine for severe cases of the flu or to prevent flu-related medical problems.
- Bacteria cause ear infection and strep throat, among other infections. They can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
These general guidelines can help determine if you have a viral or bacterial infection:
Symptom |
Virus |
Bacteria |
|---|---|---|
often |
rare |
|
usual |
rare |
|
often |
rare |
|
often |
rare |
|
often |
often |
|
often |
sometimes |
|
dry cough |
often |
rare |
coughing up mucus (also called phlegm or sputum) |
often |
often |
often |
rare |
|
Do antibiotics help? |
no |
yes |
When should I go to the doctor?
Go to the doctor if…
- your flu symptoms seem severe or do not get better in 3 to 4 days
- your cold symptoms do not get better in 7 days or if they get worse
- you have a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics
- you are pregnant and have flu symptoms
- you have a medical condition that the flu could make worse, such as asthma, emphysema or another kind of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
If you have questions, call the nurse line listed on your health insurance card or contact your health care provider.
How can I protect myself and others from infection?
Main ways to keep yourself and others from getting sick include:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don't have a tissue available, cough into your sleeve or upper arm instead of your hand.
- Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose, and using the bathroom. You should also wash your hands before eating.
Reviewed by: Steven Bergeson, MD, medical director of quality, Allina Medical Clinic; Lynn Berg, director of risk and safety, Allina Medical Clinic; Cindy Larson, infection control practitioner, Mercy Hospital
First Published: 12/11/2003
Last Reviewed: 09/16/2009