Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu vs. Cellulitis

Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu vs

Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu vs. Cellulitis

How can you tell the difference between the flu and cellulitis? Let's review the information about cellulitis taken from iTriage (available on iPhone, Android, or atwww.iTriageHealth.com. Please see our previous posts for more information on the flu.

Description

Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Bacteria can enter into the skin either through a cut or insect bite and spread to deeper tissues causing aninfection. If it is not treated with antibiotics, the infection can spread to the blood or lymph nodes. The most common bacteria are staphylococcus and streptococcus species. A particular staphylococcus species calledMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming a more common bacteria. Patients with depressed immune systems such asdiabetes,cancer,HIV, chronic steroid use, and auto immune diseases are more likely to acquire cellulitis.

Symptoms

The affected skin becomes red, warm to the touch, painful, and swollen. If the surrounding lymph channels become infected red streaks up the arm or leg will be seen. These red streaks are calledlymphangitis. Patients may also experience fever, fatigue and vomiting.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. A culture of any infectious fluid will be done if available. If there is an associated fever blood cultures may be done.

Treatment

Cleaning and bandaging of any lacerations or abrasions will be done. Removal of the stinger will be performed if the infection is from an insect bite. Antibiotics either orally or intravenous depending on the severity of the infection will be administered. Common antibiotics include: cephelexin/Keflex, dicloxacillin/Dynapen, clindamycin/Cleocin, or clarithromycin/Biaxin. If MRSA is suspected the following antibiotics may be used: trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole/Bactrim, vancomycin/Vancocin, daptomycin/Cubicin, tigecycline/Tygacil, or linezolid/Zyvox.

As you can see while both diseases are associated with a fever the hallmark of cellulitis are areas of red, hot, and painful skin. Any area of the body can be affected but the most common places for cellulitis are the arms and legs. Patients with cellulitis will not have the cough and runny nose so common with the flu.

If you have cellulitis you should seek treatment quickly since early antibiotics are the best way to ensure a complete recovery. Either an emergency department or urgent care clinic can appropriately take care of patients with cellulitis. You can find either of these healthcare facilities anywhere in the United States by usingiTriage.

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