Winter is officially here, and with the drop in temperature you may be feeling under the weather. But if you' like millions out there, you may not know how to tell the difference between a and . Both can make the holidays miserable, both may include similar symptoms, but treatment will differ and it is important to know the difference so you can get back to feeling your best.

 

The Common Cold

The common cold is a virus that mutates rapidly (that's why there's no effective vaccine like the flu). Symptoms include:

Sneezing

Runny Nose

Sneezing

Congestion

Mucsle Pain

Cough with phlegm

Post-nasal drip

Chills

Fatigue

Watery eyes

Sinus Pressure

Chest Pressure

 

Treatment

The common cold usually lasts no more than a and recovery is relatively easy. Symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medicine and . The common cold does not require a prescription for antibiotics, as antibiotics are meant for bacterial infection, not a virus.  Self-care can include nasal lavage (Netipot), throat lozenges, menthol chest rub and more.

 

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection differs from the common cold in that the infection is generally relegated to the sinus cavities. Sinus infections can be triggered by the common cold or by allergies, or may be cause by bacterial infection. The sinus passages become inflamed and symptoms can include:

Headache

Facial pain

Facial Swelling

Runny Nose

Nasal Congestion

Pain Behind The Eyes

Pain Behind The Ears

Pain in Forehead

Sore Throat

of Smell

Fatigue

Sinus Pressure

Excess Mucus

Discolored Mucus

Fever

 

Treatment

Treatment of a sinus infection depends on the severity, though chronic sinusitis may require antibiotics. If you exhibit symptoms lasting longer than 7 days or accompanied by high fever, please see your doctor. Treatments may include decongestants, steroids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines. Self-care can include nasal lavage (Netipot, saline rinse). If you experience frequent sinus infections, you should see your doctor about treatment.