Now that most people aren’t wearing a mask, we’re seeing a lot of summer colds and other sicknesses.

COLDS are caused by viruses.  Antibiotics are of no use and can kill you.  The infection can last 7-10 days up to 21 days.  Zinc 75-100 mg daily can reduce the length of illness.  Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) can help a great deal with runny nose, sinus pressure, earaches, I like Allegra D the most.  Echinacea has been shown to be of no benefit.  If you are wheezing or you start coughing up colored sputum you should be seen by a doctor.   Some prescription nasal sprays can be very helpful, but limit over the counter nasal sprays to 3 days only. Vitamin C doesn’t help.

FLU is best prevented.  It's caused by the influenza virus.  The flu is usually 102-104 fever and every muscle feels like its being hit by a sledgehammer. There are medications to shorten the duration of the flu, but they must be taken early in the course.  You should be seen for wheezing or colored sputum.  Antibiotics are of no help. Everyone should get a flu shot annually.  

COUGH can be caused by allergy, acid reflux and infection.  Wheezing often needs to be treated with steroids and inhalers. The over the counter medication dextromethorphan can be helpful, although side effects can be an issue.  

SINUS INFECTIONS rarely need antibiotics unless there is a high fever and the patient is sick for at least 1-2 weeks.  Treat it like a cold.  Steroids and prescription nasal sprays can help. 

SORE THROAT is usually caused by a virus, so antibiotics are of no help.  Strep throat is a serious condition that does respond to antibiotics, usually accompanied by a fever, difficulty swallowing, white spots on tonsils and significantly swollen glands.