Due to the recent discovery and onset of the swine flu, many people are worried about their health this winter season. Although it is possible to experience a sinus infection or the swine flu at any time of the year, the cold weather weakens the immune system. People are also more likely to stay indoors and travel during the holidays, which means that they are kept in a close capacity with other people. If those people are sick, you may be more likely to catch it. It is important to remember that the type of flu symptoms that you experience will vary according to the specific type of flu that you have. While you may not necessarily have the swine flu, there is a chance that you could have another type of flu. Here, we will take a closer look at the difference between sinus infection and swine flu symptoms.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
The symptoms of sinus infections include headache, runny nose with discolored discharge, nasal congestion with post nasal drip, cough, sore throat, headache, pain or pressure around the eyes, and bad breath. Symptoms are typically the worst at night and may be accompanied by a fever. Sinus infections can last from a few days to a week or so, depending on the person’s immune system. Most find that antibiotics do not help sinus infections and rely on home remedies to relieve symptoms instead. Sinus infections can affect just about anyone, but they tend to be common among children who attend school and those who are close to other people in the workplace.
Swine Flu Symptoms
It is important to keep in mind that some of the symptoms of swine flu are very similar to those of a sinus infection. The symptoms of the swine flu include unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, cough, muscle pains, loss of appetite, and diarrhea or vomiting. A fever of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is indicative of the swine flu. Pregnancy women, those between the age of 6 months and 24 years, and those who have chronic illnesses, such as cancer or AIDS, are more susceptible to catching a serious case of the swine flu.
Although the intensity of swine flu symptoms tend to be more severe than the intensity of sinus infection symptoms, it is important to remember that a sinus infection can also be very intense as well. This means that it can be very difficult to identify the difference between the swine flu and a sinus infection. If your illness is severe or lasts for longer than a week, the best thing that you can do is visit a primary care physician. While seeking health care may not seem ideal for you due to financial reasons and you may prefer the idea of waiting it out, it is important to keep in mind that you could have another serious illness, such as bronchitis or strep throat. Diagnosing the problem and getting proper medical treatment can help ensure that your illness does not cause any long term damage or fatalities.
Here is an additional information about Sinus headache:
Sinus headaches are caused by sinus congestion and inflammation (called sinusitis). Sinusitis, in turn, is caused by either a respiratory infection (such as a cold) or allergies (like hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis).
Sinus headaches are associated with a swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses (spaces adjacent to the nasal passages). Pain occurs in the affected region – the result of air, pus, and mucus being trapped within the obstructed sinuses. The discomfort often occurs under the eye and in the upper teeth (disguised as a headache or toothache). Sinus headaches tend to worsen as you bend forward or lie down. The key to relieving the symptoms is to reduce sinus swelling and inflammation and facilitate mucous drainage from the sinuses.
Comment by headache migraine — October 15, 2009 @ 7:27 am