Colds & Flu
WHAT ARE COLDS AND FLU? Getting sick is never fun. If you experience symptoms, like fever, coughing, sneezing, and runny nose, it can be hard to tell whether it’s a common cold or the flu (influenza). Regardless, you probably want
Common Eye Infections
ABOUT EYE INFECTIONS Eye infections are often passed on from one individual to the next when someone touches their eyes without having washed their hands. Patients with eye infections can experience discomfort, inflammation, stinging, and itchiness in their eyes. In
COVID-19 And Variations
WHAT IS COVID-19? Getting sick is never fun and getting COVID can be very rough. If you experience symptoms, like fever or chills, coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache. loss of taste or smell, sore throat,
Ear, Nose & Throat Care
WHAT ARE EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT (ENT) INFECTIONS? Ear, nose, and throat infections are commonly seen in adults and children alike. When you have a minor ENT condition, you may need immediate care, which is why Cape Family Health provides
Upper Respiratory Infections
WHAT ARE UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS (URI)? An upper respiratory infection (URI) is an acute illness that affects the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nasal passages and throat (pharynx and larynx). They are spread from person to person and can
Urinary Tract Infections
WHAT IS A URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)? A urinary tract infection (UTI) affects the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Sometimes called a bladder infection, this acute issue is more common in women than men. Symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a UTI and a yeast infection?
A UTI (urinary tract infection) is caused by bacteria and affects the urinary system, often causing pain while urinating. A yeast infection is a fungal overgrowth in the vagina, leading to itching and discharge.
How can you tell if a wound is infected?
Signs of an infected wound include redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing pain. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention.
How do you know if you need stitches?
You may need stitches if a wound is deep, won’t stop bleeding, has jagged edges, or exposes muscle or bone. If unsure, have a doctor evaluate it.
Are fevers contagious?
Fevers themselves aren’t contagious, but the underlying illness causing the fever, such as the flu or a virus, may be.
How long can a fever last?
A fever usually lasts a few days but can persist longer depending on the cause. If a fever lasts more than three days or is very high, seek medical attention.
What are common signs of an infection?
Symptoms of an infection may include fever, redness, swelling, pain, fatigue, and pus or drainage from a wound.
When should you see a doctor for a fever?
See a doctor if a fever is over 103°F, lasts more than three days, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like confusion, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting.
What should you do if you have a cut that won’t stop bleeding?
Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth, elevate the wound, and seek medical attention if bleeding persists after 10 minutes.
How can you prevent infections in wounds?
Clean the wound with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a clean bandage. Change the bandage daily and watch for signs of infection.
Cold, Flu, and Respiratory Conditions
Should I go to the doctor for bronchitis?
Most cases of bronchitis are viral and resolve on their own, but if symptoms persist beyond three weeks, worsen, or include difficulty breathing, seek medical care.
Can the flu turn into pneumonia?
Yes, the flu can lead to pneumonia, especially in young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or include chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Do allergies cause coughing?
Yes, allergies can cause coughing due to postnasal drip irritating the throat.
Can allergies cause throat pain?
Yes, allergies can cause throat pain due to irritation from postnasal drip and inflammation.
Can allergies cause headaches?
Yes, allergies can trigger headaches due to sinus congestion and inflammation.
Do allergies make you tired?
Yes, allergies can make you feel fatigued due to immune system responses and disrupted sleep from congestion.
How long does bronchitis last?
Acute bronchitis usually lasts 10-14 days but may cause a lingering cough for a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis lasts longer and requires medical management.
How do you know if a cough is from allergies or an infection?
Allergy-related coughs are often dry and accompanied by sneezing and itchy eyes, while infection-related coughs may produce mucus, cause fever, and worsen over time.
What’s the difference between the flu and a cold?
The flu comes on suddenly with high fever, body aches, and fatigue, while a cold develops gradually with milder symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat.
When should you see a doctor for a cough?
Seek medical care if a cough lasts more than three weeks, produces blood, causes breathing difficulties, or is accompanied by chest pain or high fever.
Stomach and Digestive Health
How to settle an upset stomach?
An upset stomach can often be relieved with small sips of water, bland foods like toast or rice, and avoiding fatty or spicy foods. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
How long are stomach bugs contagious?
Stomach bugs, such as norovirus, are contagious from the onset of symptoms and can remain contagious for a few days after symptoms resolve.
What are common causes of an upset stomach?
Common causes include food poisoning, acid reflux, stress, infections, and overeating.
How long does food poisoning last?
Food poisoning usually lasts 24-48 hours but can persist longer depending on the cause. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or prolonged.
What foods help settle an upset stomach?
Bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) can help calm the stomach. Ginger and peppermint may also provide relief.
When should you see a doctor for a stomach bug?
See a doctor if symptoms include severe dehydration, high fever, blood in stool, or vomiting lasting more than two days.
COVID-19 and Infectious Diseases
How long does it take to get COVID after exposure?
COVID-19 symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure, with an average of 3-5 days.
How long should you isolate if you test positive for COVID-19?
The CDC recommends isolating for at least five days and wearing a mask around others for 10 days.
What are early symptoms of COVID-19?
Early symptoms often include fever, fatigue, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, and muscle aches.
How long does a strep test take?
A rapid strep test typically provides results within 10-15 minutes, while a throat culture may take 24-48 hours.
Do you need antibiotics for strep?
Yes, strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics to prevent complications and reduce contagiousness.
How long can strep last?
Untreated strep throat can last 7-10 days, but antibiotics usually shorten symptoms to 1-3 days.
How do you know if you have strep throat or a viral sore throat?
Strep throat usually causes a sudden severe sore throat, fever, and white spots on the tonsils, while viral sore throats often come with cough and congestion.
Can you get strep throat without a fever?
Yes, while fever is common with strep, some people may have mild symptoms without a fever.