Cold, flu, and COVID season is here — and this week on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy, Paul White and Brad White sat down with Dr. Joey Romar, D.O., of Aultman Orrville Dunlap Family Physicians to discuss what patients need to know to stay healthy, avoid complications, and understand when treatment is necessary.
What Makes Family Medicine Unique?
Family physicians care for all ages and all conditions — from infants to older adults. Because of this, they play a crucial role in managing seasonal illnesses and guiding patients through treatment decisions.
What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)?
A URI refers to infections that affect the nose, throat, sinuses, and upper airways, including:
- The common cold
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Strep throat
Listen To The Podcast:
Watch a Replay of the Livestream:
Colds vs. Flu vs. Strep — What’s the Difference?
Colds:
- Caused by viruses
- Gradual symptoms: congestion, runny nose, mild cough
- Typically mild
Influenza:
- Sudden onset
- High fever, chills, fatigue, body aches
Strep Throat:
- Bacterial (requires antibiotics)
- Sore throat without cough and fever
How to Prevent Flu, COVID, and RSV
- Annual flu vaccination
- Updated COVID vaccination
- Frequent handwashing
- Avoiding sick contacts
- Staying home when symptomatic
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Call your primary care provider if:
- Symptoms last more than a few days
- Fever persists or worsens
- You develop shortness of breath
Go to the ER if:
- Breathing difficulty occurs
- Chest pain develops
- Severe dehydration is present
Treatment Options
Viruses:
- Antivirals when appropriate
- Rest, fluids, humidification
- OTC symptom relief
Bacterial Infections:
- Require antibiotic treatment
- Complete full course
Medication Side Effects
Antibiotics:
- GI upset, diarrhea, allergic reactions
Antivirals:
- Nausea, headache
OTC Cold Medications:
- Drowsiness, elevated blood pressure, drug interactions
At-Home Testing
At‑home tests are available for:
- COVID-19
- Influenza (select markets)
Medication Safety Tips
- Do NOT take someone else’s medication
- Avoid expired medications
When Should You Stay Home?
Stay home if you have:
- Fever
- Severe cough
- Vomiting
- Significant congestion
What Dr. Romar Wants Patients to Know
URIs are extremely common, but most resolve with rest and supportive care. Not all illnesses require antibiotics, and understanding symptoms helps guide proper treatment.
Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.
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