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Cold & Flu Health Center

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Cold & Flu Health Center

Health Quiz

Should You Call in Sick or Go to Work?

Take this quiz to see how serious your symptoms are.

Sniffling, achy, a little tired? You may have:

The common cold

The flu

Either of the above
You have a mild cough but no fever. You're dealing with:

A cold

The flu

Either of the above
Your ears are aching. You could have:

An ear infection

A cold

Either of the above
You're no longer congested or achy, but a cough has lingered for more than a week. Could it still be a cold?

Yes

No

Not sure
What should you do if your cold symptoms get worse after three days?

Get more bed rest

Call a doctor

Take over-the-counter medication for symptoms

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on January 01, 2009

Sources: Sources

SOURCES: American Lung Association web site, "The Common Cold." Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia web site, "Common Cold." Duke University Health System web site, "Avoiding the Common Cold." FDA "Colds and Flu: Time Only Sure Cure." WebMD Medical Reference, "Understanding Common Cold: Symptoms." Mayo Clinic web site, "Viral infections and bacterial infections: What's the difference?" WebMD Feature, "Call in Sick or Go to Work? Here's Some Advice."

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.