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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do I Have A Bacterial Or Viral Infection If I Have Yellow Phlegm With Cough?

Hi, is there an easy way to be able to tell if I have a viral or bacterial infection at home? The symptoms Im having are: lost voice, cough , yellow/green phlegm , sometimes mild fever . My regular doctor is out of the office for a couple of days, and in the past couple of years, whenever ive been to the doctors with similar symptoms she said it was viral and doesnt need medication.
posted on Thu, 6 Sep 2012
Twitter Sat, 5 Oct 2013 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 5 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
This type of symptoms are common in viral infection and bacterial infection as well.
Viral infection subsides after few days with symptomatic treatment.
But if there is mixed infection or bacterial infection one has to go for antibiotic medicine course, otherwise there might be complication like pneumonitis etc.
So remain in follow up with your doctor having these symptoms and if requires your doctor will go for investigations and treatment accordingly.
during this time take plenty of water and light diet with rest.
Ok and take care.
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General Surgeon,  Dr. Hari Charan Perigela's  Response
Hi
It is Viral infection.
Phlegm suggests superimposed bacterial infection.
So,apart from anti histamine tablet,you should take antibiotic also.
Wish you good health
Regards
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Do I Have A Bacterial Or Viral Infection If I Have Yellow Phlegm With Cough?

Hi, This type of symptoms are common in viral infection and bacterial infection as well. Viral infection subsides after few days with symptomatic treatment. But if there is mixed infection or bacterial infection one has to go for antibiotic medicine course, otherwise there might be complication like pneumonitis etc. So remain in follow up with your doctor having these symptoms and if requires your doctor will go for investigations and treatment accordingly. during this time take plenty of water and light diet with rest. Ok and take care.