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When should I go to the doctor for a cold or flu?
Should I see a doctor if I have a cold?
Should I see a doctor if I have the flu?
Nov 30, 2022 · Most colds and flu don't require a doctor's care. However, as WebMD explains, if you have any of these six symptoms, see your doctor.
- Difficulty Breathing
- Fever Won’T Break
- Headache Won’T Go Away
- It Hurts to Swallow
- Lingering Congestion Or Cough
- Rash with A Fever
- Ear Pain Doesn’T Respond to Meds
- Can’T Keep Food Down
- Severe Stomach Pain
- High Risk of Complications
Congestion from colds and flu can make breathing harder. However, difficulty breathing may warrant emergency medical attention. In children and adults, seek immediate medical treatment for difficulty breathing with any of the following: 1. Bluish lips, fingernails, or skin 2. Chest pain or pressure that persists 3. Coughing up blood or bloody mucus...
Fevers are a normal part of the immune system's response to a virus. A low-grade fever (less than 102 F in adults and children over 2 years) helps your body fight infection. However, higher fevers may warrant medical attention if they do not come down with medication or persist for several days. Some fevers even require emergency medical attention....
Headachesare fairly common with colds and flu and typically resolve on their own. A headache that is severe or does not go away should be evaluated. Contact your healthcare provider for a headache that: 1. Doesn't improve with over-the-counter medications 2. Gets worse over the course of 24 hours 3. Interferes with your ability to work or sleep 4. ...
Pharyngitis(sore throat) is common with both colds and flu and often resolves on its own. However, a severe sore throat may be a secondary bacterial infection or strep throat. See your healthcare provider for a sore throat that: 1. Hurts to swallow and hinders your ability to eat or drink 2. Interferes with your ability to breathe while sleeping 3....
Congestion and coughs that do not show signs of improving after 10 days should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. A lingering cough and congestion can indicate a secondary infection such as sinusitis, acute bronchitis (chest cold), or pneumonia. Signs you should contact your healthcare provider for congestion and coughing include: 1. Chest pain...
See your healthcare provider if you develop a rash along with cold and flu symptoms. A rash with a fever is a symptom of more severe infections such as: 1. Measles 2. Mononucleosis 3. Scarlet fever 4. Shingles Other rash symptoms that warrant a doctor's visit include a rash with the following circumstances: 1. Appears suddenly 2. Begins within two ...
Earaches are common with a cold. The pain can typically be managed with Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) and a warm compress held to the ear. Ear pain that doesn't respond to at-home treatment could be an ear infection. See your healthcare provider if you or your child has an earache with the following symptoms: 1. Dizziness 2. Ear pain...
Contact your healthcare provider if you or your child cannot keep food down. Persistent or severe vomiting with or without diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Seek medical care if vomiting persists for more than 24 hours and is accompanied by the following signs of dehydration: 1. Dizziness 2. High fever 3. Rapid heartbeat 4. Rapid breathing 5. Diffi...
Severe and persistent stomach pain that accompanies cold and flu symptoms should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. Stomach pain is an uncommon cold and flu symptom. However, other flu-like viruses and influenza subtypes like H1N1can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. In children, persistent abdominal pain accompanying cold and fl...
Some people are at higher risk of severe complications and even death from influenza. Antiviral medications can reduce the risk of complications if taken within the first two days of symptoms. Risk factors for flu complications include: 1. Ages 5 and younger, especially those under age 2 2. Ages 65 and older 3. Asthma 4. Chronic kidney disease 5. C...
Should I see my doctor? Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D. Call your healthcare professional if you think you have the flu and you or someone you're caring for is at high risk of serious flu illness, or flu-related complications. Unlike a cold, the flu tends to come on suddenly and makes you feel much worse than a cold.
You’re considered high risk and should see a doctor at the first signs of the flu if: you are age 65 or older you have a chronic medical condition (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
Sep 9, 2020 · Takeaway. Overview. Your nose is stuffy, your throat is scratchy, and your head is pounding. Is it a cold or the seasonal flu? Symptoms can overlap, so unless your doctor runs a rapid flu...
Jul 30, 2020 · Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as a fever that doesn’t go down, severe vomiting, or trouble breathing. Also call if you don’t feel better after 2 weeks, or if you have symptoms that improve, then worsen again. Cold and Flu. Author.
May 24, 2023 · You usually don't need medical care for a common cold. But if symptoms get worse or don't go away, see your health care provider. Most people with a common cold can be diagnosed by their symptoms. Your care provider may take a nasal or throat swab to rule out other illnesses. A chest X-ray may be ordered to rule out a lung illness.
