Can I Prevent A Sore Throat And Headache
The best way to prevent sore throat and headache is to avoid infections and illness. Tips include:
- Wash hands often: Always wash hands after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper and before eating or preparing food.
- Dont share: Dont share food, water bottles, glasses or other eating utensils.
- Use good cough hygiene: When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue. If you dont have a tissue, use the crook of your elbow. Dont cough or sneeze into your hand.
- Stay home if youre sick: Isolate yourself as much as you can until you feel better. And be around other people who are not feeling well.
- Avoid allergy triggers: Take precautions to avoid your allergy triggers. Allergies can cause coughing and sneezing.
- Practice safe sex: Use a condom or dental dam to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol products: Try to stay away from cigarettes and limit alcohol. These products increase your risk of developing head and neck cancers.
What Causes A Rash And Sore Swollen Throat
A rash and sore throat can be inflammatory responses. Your body releases chemicals called histamines when youre exposed to an allergen. While this is meant to be a protective mechanism, histamines can cause a skin rash and a swollen throat.
Sometimes, a rash and swollen throat along with difficulty breathing may indicate a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is usually a result of exposure to something known to cause allergic reactions, such as a bee sting or certain foods.
If you believe you or someone around you is experiencing anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.
Viral and bacterial infections also can cause a rash and sore throat. These can include the following:
What Else Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
If you have a sore throat and headache, ask your healthcare provider:
- Do I need any tests?
- Could these symptoms be a sign of an infection?
- What can I do to feel better?
- What should I do if the symptoms dont go away in a week?
- What medications can I take to help?
- Do I need a strep test?
- Will antibiotics help?
Sore throat and headache are common symptoms. Often, theyre signs of a viral or bacterial infection. For a viral infection, you most likely wont need medications. The virus will clear up on its own in about a week. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to feel better. Your healthcare provider may want to check for signs of strep throat or meningitis, which need treatment. If you have a sudden high fever, neck stiffness or other worrying symptoms, see your healthcare provider.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Head And Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer can be hard to diagnose, because symptoms are often mild and can mimic less serious conditions such as a cold or sore throat. These symptoms include:
- A mouth or tongue sore that does not heal.
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
- A persistent sore throat.
- Swelling in the jaw, neck or side of the face. This may cause dentures to fit poorly.
- Frequent sinus infections that dont respond to antibiotics.
- Neck pain that won’t go away.
- Persistent earaches.
- Trouble breathing or speaking.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to check with your physician immediately. They may be signs of less serious conditions, but a thorough exam should be done.
Can You Prevent Influenza
Yes. If you get the flu vaccine, you are likely to be protected from the flu for the duration of the flu season. The vaccine is given as a shot or a nasal spray. You must get the vaccine every year in the fall to be protected. Sometimes the vaccine does not prevent you from getting the flu but makes the flu less severe if you do get it. The vaccine is safe, even for pregnant women. You cant get the flu from the flu shot.
In addition, some of the antivirals given to treat flu can be given to prevent flu in people who are in close contact with people who actually have the flu.
Because the flu is so contagious, you can do other things that may help you prevent getting or spreading the flu:
- Practice good hand-washing hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you arent able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid being around other people when you do not feel well, especially when you have a fever.
- Avoid being around sick people whenever possible.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Eat well, exercise, and get enough rest.
- Consider taking a multivitamin and possibly vitamin D supplements to support your immune system.
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Despite Symptoms Its Not The Flu
COVID-19 is not the flu.
As one of a class of pathogens known as coronaviruses, COVID-19 is actually more closely related to the common cold than the seasonal flu.
However, despite some overlap, the typical symptoms of COVID-19 are more similar to the flu than the common cold .
The Delta variant, however, may have more cold-like symptoms.
In terms of differentiating between flu and COVID-19, it can be almost impossible to distinguish, Dr. Jake Deutsch, co-founder and clinical director of Cure Urgent Care and Specialty Infusion in New York. Thats why people are recommended to have flu vaccinations so it can at least minimize the risk of flu in light of everything else.
Fevers, body aches, coughing, sneezing could all be equally attributed to them both, so it really means that if theres a concern for flu, theres a concern for COVID-19, Deutsch said.
When and where you get sick might be the best predictor of whether you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, Yildirim said.
People living in communities with low vaccination rates and high rates of COVID-19 are more likely to have COVID-19, she said, especially outside of cold and flu season.
However, she said, differentiating becomes more difficult during the winter, when all three diseases may be widespread.
If you have a mild case of COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, treatment is geared toward management of symptoms, said Cutler.
Mild cases of COVID-19 are thought to last approximately 2 weeks, said Cutler.
Who Shouldnt Get The Flu Vaccine
You shouldnt get the influenza shot if you are
- Severely allergic to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine, regardless of the vaccine component suspected of being responsible for the reaction.
- Sick with a fever.
There is an option to get the nasal flu vaccine . The following groups of people shouldn’t get the nasal flu vaccine:
- Children and adolescents who are taking aspirin or any type of salicylate-containing medication therapies.
- Children who are 2-4 years of age who have been diagnosed with asthma or whose parents/caregivers can say that a healthcare provider has told them during the past 12 months that the child has had wheezing events or asthma or a child who has a wheezing episode documented in their medical record.
- Children or adults whose immune systems are compromised for any reason, including drugs or HIV infection.
- Caregivers or close contacts of severely immunosuppressed people who need a protected environment.
- Pregnant people.
- People who have received antiviral drugs to treat the flu within the past 48 hours.
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Originally published Sep 9, 2021 1:36:24 PM.
Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine
Its recommended that everyone 6 months or older should get an influenza vaccine each year. You will protect yourself and other people around you. People who have any of the following conditions are at high risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza :
You also have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza if you:
- Are younger than 2 years, or over 65 years old.
- Are pregnant and for 2 weeks after delivery
- Are under 19 years old and must take aspirin regularly.
- Live in a nursing home.
If you work in a healthcare facility, you may transmit influenza to patients and other workers, but you are not at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. The recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is that everyone over the age of 6 months gets a flu vaccine if there are no contraindications. This includes individuals who are not at high risk.
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The Coronavirus Has Been Linked To Neurological Problems Like Dizziness Confusion And Delirium
Crystal Cox/Business Insider
Chinese researchers found that the virus can invade a persons nervous system, though the exact method is unknown. Its possible that the virus damages neurons in the nose, which allows it to cross over from the respiratory tract to the brain.
Scientists have also found evidence that the virus latches onto ACE2 receptors in the interior lining of blood vessels. From there, it might penetrate the barrier between the blood and the brain.
A study of 214 patients in Wuhan found that 36% of patients had neurological symptoms. These symptoms were more common among patients with severe infections.
Around 25% of patients experienced dizziness, headache, confusion or delirium, seizure, and impaired balance or coordination. Among those symptoms, dizziness was the most common, affecting nearly 17% of patients.
Another 9% of patients had symptoms associated with the peripheral nervous system, like nerve pain or impaired taste, smell, and vision.
How Is Head And Neck Cancer Diagnosed
Early detection is key to successful treatment of head and neck cancer. Almost three-quarters of all head and neck cancers can be easily detected during an examination. Your healthcare provider will perform an examination and may order diagnostic tests.
These exams and tests might include:
- A physical exam to check the oral and nasal cavities, neck, throat and tongue. Your provider may also feel your neck, lips, gum and cheeks for lumps.
- Endoscopy: Your provider uses a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope to examine your voice box, throat, nasal cavity or other area where you are experiencing symptoms. This is done in the office and isnt painful.
- Laboratory tests on blood, urine or other body samples.
- Head and neck X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs or PET scans to create pictures of the areas inside your head and neck. Your provider will determine which tests will best evaluate your symptoms.
- Biopsy: Your provider removes tissue for a pathologist to study under a microscope. This is the only sure way to diagnose cancer. This may be done in the office with a local anesthetic, usually with a needle. Or it may have to be done in an operating room while youre under a general anesthetic.
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How Is Bacterial Meningitis Treated
Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics. A general intravenous antibiotic with a corticosteroid to bring down the inflammation may be prescribed even before all the test results are in. When the specific bacteria are identified, your doctor may decide to change antibiotics. In addition to antibiotics, it will be important to replenish fluids lost from loss of appetite, sweating, vomiting and diarrhea.
When To Seek Medical Help
Allergic reactions that cause a rash and swollen throat can range from mild to severe. A severe reaction is known as anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency that can affect breathing. Seek immediate medical treatment if you experience this reaction.
Make a doctors appointment if you have a fever that doesnt subside within two to three days. This can be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection. Also, seek medical attention if a rash becomes unbearably itchy, your skin begins to flake and peel, or you feel youre experiencing a medical emergency.
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How To Care For Yourself
Medications used to treat the flu or a cold control symptoms. Antibiotics wont work they combat bacterial, not viral, infections. Viruses actually hide inside your own cells where antibiotics cannot affect them. Flu and cold care is aimed at symptom relief and immune system support. These include the following:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of fluidsup to 3-4 liters per day .
- For fever, headache, body aches, or sore throat pain, take Tylenol Advil , or Aleve every 4-6 hours.
- For sore throat, gargle every 4 hours with warm, salty water . Also, try using throat lozenges containing a numbing medication.
- For hoarseness or laryngitis, talk as little as possible. Straining the voice can prolong or worsen laryngitis.
- For heavy amounts of nasal discharge or a large amount of phlegm associated with cough, consider using a mucolytic, such as Mucinex .
- For persistent runny nose or nasal congestion, antihistamines and decongestants may be used. Mild antihistamines such as Chlor-Trimeton are useful for runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Use a decongestant such as Sudafed for nasal/sinus congestion or ear fullness. A combination antihistamine/decongestant such as Actifed or Dimetapp may be taken for multiple symptoms. But remember, antihistamines may make you drowsy !
- Read this flu information for more guidance.
Can You Get Medicine For Influenza
If you are seriously ill, your doctor might order an antiviral drug for you. Antiviral drugs for influenza include oseltamivir phosphate zanamivir peramivir and baloxavir .
Oseltamivir phosphate
This drug is approved to treat influenza in patients who are two weeks of age and older, and it works best in people who have had the flu for fewer than two days. It is also approved to prevent flu in patients who are one year of age and older. There is a generic version of this product available, but it costs nearly as much as the brand name. Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, headaches and tiredness.
Zanamivir
This drug is approved to treat flu in patients seven years old and older, and to prevent flu in patients who are five and older. This product is inhaled and not recommended for people who have respiratory illnesses like COPD or asthma. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, nose irritation and vomiting.
Peramivir
This drug is approved to treat flu in people 2 years old and older. This product is given into the vein by a healthcare provider. A common side effect from peramivir is diarrhea.
Baloxavir
This drug, a pill, is approved to treat flu in people 12 years old and older who are otherwise healthy and in people who are at higher risk of developing influenza-related complications. Common side effects are diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea and headaches.
What complications are associated with influenza ?
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What Is The Treatment For Sore Throat And Headache
Usually, you can treat sore throat and headache with at-home remedies. If you have strep throat, your provider will prescribe antibiotics to get rid of it. Take all the medicine, even though youll start to feel better within a day or two.
At-home treatments for sore throat and headache include:
- Fluids, especially water, tea with honey, soup or broth.
- Throat lozenges or ice cubes.
- Warm saltwater gargle.
- Cool compress on your head.
- Plenty of rest.
If your child has a headache and sore throat, remember:
- Choose the right medication: Dont give aspirin to young children. It may cause a life-threatening condition called Reyes syndrome. Make sure to choose pain relievers made for infants and children.
- Avoid hard candies: Lozenges or other hard candies can be a choking hazard for young children.
- Dont give honey to babies: Avoid giving honey to infants under a year old. Babies dont have defenses against infant botulism.
Who Gets Bacterial Meningitis
Children between the ages of 1 month and 2 years are the most susceptible to bacterial meningitis.
Adults with certain risk factors are also susceptible. You are at higher risk if you abuse alcohol, have chronic nose and ear infections, sustain a head injury or get pneumococcal pneumonia.
You are also at higher risk if you have a weakened immune system, have had your spleen removed, are on corticosteroids because of kidney failure or have a sickle cell disease.
Additionally, if you have had brain or spinal surgery or have had a widespread blood infection you are also a higher risk for bacterial meningitis.
Outbreaks of bacterial meningitis also occur in living situations where you are in close contact with others, such as college dormitories or military barracks.
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Home Remedies For Throat And Ear Pain
There are a few things that you can try to relieve your throat and ear pain at home, including:
- Keeping your upper body elevated while you sleep
- Sucking on cough drops
- Drinking plenty of cold fluids and eating ice pops or ice cream
- Applying warm compresses or cold packs to your throat or the side of your head over your ear
What Is A Headache With A Sore Throat
Most people get headaches many times during their lives. A headache causes pain in your head or face. The pain may be throbbing, sharp or dull.
A sore throat is pain or irritation in your throat. It might feel scratchy, painful or dry. It often hurts more when you swallow.
Sometimes, you have both a headache and sore throat. Most often, an infection causes those symptoms to happen together.
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