Related Information

•	Acute Bronchitis

•	Acute Sinusitis

•	Anaphylaxis

•	Asthma

•	Bronchoscopy

•	Candidiasis

•	Chronic Laryngitis

•	Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

•	Chronic Sinusitis (in Adults)

•	Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis)

•	Congestive Heart Failure

•	Flu (Influenza)

•	Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

•	Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)

•	Infectious Mononucleosis

•	Laryngitis

•	Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

•	Peritonsillar Abscess

•	Pleurisy and Pleural Effusion

•	Pneumonia

•	Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

•	Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)

Coughs and Colds

It is very likely that a viral infection is the cause of your symptoms. One viral infection gets special consideration because it can result in increasingly severe breathing symptoms if it causes pneumonia. That viral infection is influenza ("flu").

Influenza is only a concern during the months of October through February. Please choose an option below:

My symptoms are occurring between October and February.

My symptoms are occurring between March and September.

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Online Medical Reviewer: McDonald, Thad, MD
Date Last Reviewed: 5/4/2006
Date Last Modified: 3/30/2006

Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

Related About.com Content

•	Cold and Flu

•	Infectious Disease

•	Lung Diseases

Symptom Checker content copyright © 2006 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell. Use of content is subject to Terms & Conditions and Medical Disclaimer. More information on Harvard Medical School's publications and services is available at http://www.health.harvard.edu.