Viral infections usually improve within 7–10 days.
If cough + nasal discharge lasts >10–14 days without improvement → bacterial sinusitis may be suspected.
If symptoms get worse after initial improvement (“double sickening”) → bacterial cause more likely.
Viral infections: low-grade fever (<101°F) that resolves in a few days.
Bacterial infections:
High fever (>102°F / 39°C),
Persistent fever >3 days,
Or fever that returns after subsiding → red flag.
Viral: dry → wet, improves gradually.
Bacterial pneumonia:
Fast, labored breathing, chest indrawing.
Productive cough with yellow/green phlegm.
Pertussis (whooping cough): long coughing fits, “whoop” sound, vomiting after coughing.
Bacterial pneumonia: rapid breathing, chest pain, lethargy.
Bacterial sinusitis: thick yellow/green discharge + facial swelling/pain.
Ear infection (otitis media): ear tugging, irritability, pus from ear.
Strep throat: severe sore throat, pus on tonsils, tender neck nodes (rare <3 yrs).
Crackles or decreased breath sounds in lungs → pneumonia.
Pus pockets in tonsils → bacterial pharyngitis.
Swollen sinuses with tenderness → bacterial sinusitis.
Lab tests (CBC, CRP, chest X-ray, throat swab) may be done if needed.
Viral cough = short, self-limiting, mild fever, child still playful.
Bacterial suspicion = high or persistent fever, worsening symptoms, breathing difficulty, toxic/weak appearance.
👉 So, parents shouldn’t guess — instead, look for these red flags and seek a pediatrician’s evaluation. Only a doctor can confidently decide when antibiotics are needed.
Continue With Google 
Continue With Facebook 
Health
