The Doctors: Influenza Medicine For the Common Cold
One woman wrote in to The Doctors wondering if antiviral medicines for influenza can be used for the common cold as well. She also wanted to know if it is posible, why more doctors are not prescribing it. The Doctors wished it was possible to give antiviral medicines used for influenza as a way to cure the common cold but they said it is not possible. The second they figure out the cure to the common cold, The Drs. said they are going to let everyone know.
The Drs: Flu-Like Symptoms and Pregnancy
Samantha started getting flu-like symptoms when she became pregnant and wanted to know if she was coming down with the flu or whether her symptoms, which included nasal congestion, fatigue and an achey body, were just coming from her pregnancy. Dr. Lisa Masterson said it is possible to have those symptoms when you become pregnant but she told the woman to see a doctor because some symptoms, such as a high fever, can affect a fetus.
The Doctors: Developing Croup After Influenza
The Doctors answered flu-related questions about antiviral medicines being used for the cold and flu, croup following a bad cold and sinus infections after the flu.
Carol has a small child and after getting over the flu, her child began showing signs of croup. She wanted to know if it was caused by the influenza and whether it was the same thing as the cold and the flu.
The Doctors said croup is very serious in children. It can close off their airstreams and make it very hard to breathe. They suggested the child try breathing in moist air, such as a from a hot shower, and if the child is still having a hard time breathing, they need to be taken to the hospital.
They said the croup is not something that comes from the same virus as influenza but it is an illness that will show up after the influenza has subsided. Watch the video below to hear a clip of what a croup cough sounds like in a child.
The Drs: What Causes a Sinus Infection?
Every year thousands of people will develop a cold and then a sinus infection. The Doctors said a cold and the flu can both lead to sinus infections, which happen when the natural holes in the naval cavity are blocked and the sinuses are not able to drain. When these tiny holes close up, the sinuses cannot drain and infection will creep in.
The Doctors suggested using steam or nasal sprays as a way to open up the sinus cavity for an acute sinus infection. For people who have chronic sinus infections, they may need to see a doctor because it could be a structural issue where the hole is not actually opening wide enough for the sinuses to drain. In this case The Doctors said antibiotics are going to be needed and doctors may have to open the hole wider.
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