Your flu could be bacterial or viral

EXPERTS CLASSIFY THE TWO AND ADVISE PATIENCE UNLESS SYMPTOMS ARE PERSISTENT

Unless symptoms are persistent, don’t rush to see the doctor |

Fever, headache, body ache, cough and a runny nose? You might have just caught the flu — but is it viral or bacterial? Do you know the difference? Do you need to see a doctor immediately?

According to Dr Mohammad Alazzawi, head of the emergency department at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital in Dubai, a visit to the doctor depends on your prior medical conditions. He said: “If you are a healthy, young adult, experiencing symptoms of a common cold or the flu — such as a simple fever, runny nose and mild throat pain — you can wait for at least five days [before you see a doctor]. You can buy paracetamol or a similar medication from a pharmacy. But if you begin to have difficulty breathing, have chest pain, any chronic medical conditions or are below the age of five years or if you are pregnant or with a recent travel history, then visit a hospital immediately.”

Dr Sana Kauser, family medicine consultant at King’s College Hospital in Dubai, agrees. She advises her patients that there is no need to rush to see a doctor, unless they feel “really unwell”. For the layperson, she said, it is difficult to tell the difference between a viral and a bacterial infection.

“A doctor should be able to tell the difference based on experience. But only tests can guarantee it. A blood test is also a good way to differentiate. The type of blood cells that increase are different in both cases,” said Dr Kauser.

“You can take medication for the fever, such as paracetamol, and try remedies, such as honey and lemon tea, to soothe the throat, and take rest. A day or two later, the symptoms will usually subside. But, depending on your age and whether you have a chronic illness, the outcome could vary. Also, if your temperature isn’t going down and you are coughing phlegm or are unable to swallow, then these are symptoms of a more severe condition and it would be advisable to consult a general practitioner (GP),” She said.

The doctor, she said, would typically check your tonsils and also conduct a throat swab test. “They want to determine whether you need antibiotics or not. Unless it is a bacterial infection, the doctor will not prescribe an antibiotic [because] an antibiotic kills the good bacteria as well, which helps us stay healthy,” Dr Kauser explained.

Some people may experience loss of taste when they are down with the flu. However, this has nothing to do with the infection, Dr Kauser said.

“The sense of taste is connected to the throat and tongue. And sense of smell to the nose. All of these are affected in a patient with an infection,” said Dr Alazzawi.