Allergies

Symptoms

• Sneezing, stuffy, runny and/or itchy nose
• Clear or whitish nasal drip & a tickle in throat
• Itchy, watery, or burning eyes
• Mild pressure or pain in upper teeth, cheeks, top of nose, between eyes, or in forehead

What to Do

• Avoid exposure to allergens and control environment when possible
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol
• If recommended by a doctor, take a non-sedating antihistamine or decongestant to reduce nasal congestion and swelling; use steroid eyedrops to relieve itchy, watery eyes; and use a steroid nasal spray or an additional anti-inflammatory medication to prevent allergy symptoms

Viral Infections

Symptoms

• High-grade fever (101.5 F or higher) at times
• Generalized body aches and fatigue
• Coughing
• Drainage from nose thickens
• Nasal discharge is clear to yellowish
• Feel need to see physician within two-days of symptom onset

• Wash hands frequently and properly
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol
• Use humidifiers to control room moisture
• If recommended by a doctor, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, take a decongestant to help relieve pressure and congestion, and/or use over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray for a short period of time
• DO NOT ask doctor for an antibiotic, as it will not be effective against a viral infection. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can cause bacteria to become resistant to currently available antibiotics

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms

• Low-grade fever (101.5 F or lower)
• Moderate to severe pressure or pain in upper teeth, cheeks, top of nose, between eyes, or in forehead
• Stuffy nose with thick, yellow to brown or bloody mucus

• Follow tips for viral infections ANDÖ
• If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, take all the medication as instructed even if you feel much better within a few days of starting your prescription. If you do not take all medication, the infection may return and some bacteria may develop resistance to the antibiotic you were given