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What Causes Sore Throat, Cough And Headache?

Posted on Tue, 31 May 2016

Question: I have had a sore throat, cough, on and off headaches along with a stuffy nose for a week. It has spiked in severity this past Wednesday and Thursday. Today I feel better than the last two days but I feel that's largely due to the amount of rest and fluids I finally had time to give myself on Thursday. Is it likely to be common cold or strep throat? Do you absolutely need antibiotics to get over strep?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow the Advises..

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX, Welcome to HCM,

I've gone through your query and understand your concern..

Well it's good that you're finally feeling well but let tell you that not all common colds are due to Strep even if they mimic that way.. most of your symptoms are characteristics of viral infection, but still taking appropriate antibiotic after 72 hrs of viral infection is also justified as it prevents further added infection due to low immunity (super added bacterial over growth due to low immune state)..

So even though 7 days are over , I'd still advice you to take a full course of antibiotic.. in this case , had you been my patient, I'd advice you to take Tab AZITHROMYCIN 500 mg once Daily for next 7 days (You'll be needing prescription by your local physician for that .. please make sure you're not allergic to it otherwise there's always alternatives available)..

Yes well done by maintaing hydration as well as rest , they paly a big role in relief also.. In addition to that I'd also recommend you to take Steam Inhalation 4-5 times a day, it'll help clearing off the congestion..

Please get back to me if you have any other doubts..

With all these measures you'll be fine within a few days.. so nothing to worry..

Also let me know if there's any other problems which you're experiencing in this regard..

Maintain good hydration and rest as you're already doing, take lot of warm liuids including Chicken/Vegetable soups(you're also doing that too I believe)..
Avoid Sour component and citrus fruits for the time being as they are quite prone for worsening the scenario..Take a good protein rich diet for a faster recovery..

Wish you a fast recovery..

Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (21 minutes later)

I don't have health insurance. How do I get myself that prescription? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can't change the Obvious....

Detailed Answer:
Welcome Back Dear, thanks for following up..

All you need to do is simply check into any of your local physician to get a prescription for the antibiotic as I'm afraid, we cannot provide you with that in an online medical forum..Also I'm glad to inform you that it's not an expensive drug.. generally price range varies from 2-5 USD per Pill (depending upon brand)

Continue all of the advises and it's just a matter of time for you to get better again.. so just relax..

Wish you good health..

Regards

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee