If I have a Cold or Flu – When Should I See a doctor?

When to See a Doctor for Cold | Dr. Neetu Modgil Explains

If you have a cold or flu – you already know that runny nose, itchy eyes, body pains, watery eyes, sore throat, sneezing, and coughing are the typical signs and symptoms. Common cold symptoms manifest over 48 hours and may last for 3 to 5 days.  Whereas flu symptoms manifest within 24 hours. In addition, fever and chills are associated with a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Body aches and fatigue are associated with the typical flu.

Ear Infection or Cold

With cold, you may get earache too, but pay attention to see whether it is sharp and sudden. The pain associated with an ear infection is sharper and comes on suddenly. With cold, you may get dull and burning earache.

Check Whether Your Fever is Under Control or Not

You should see a doctor if you have a fever along with other symptoms – and is not getting better even after taking all the controlling measures. high fever and persistent fever may signal another infection in your body – which needs medical attention and treatment.

If You Feel Nauseated or Vomit

When you suffer from a cold or flu infection your body needs lots of fluids to work properly. If you are unable to keep all the fluids that your body needs, then you may need to see your doctor or a hospital – where you can get the fluids through IV.

If Your Cough Doesn’t Go Away

A persistent cough may be due to postnasal drip – wherein mucus goes into the throat from your nose. Your doctor will treat the cough with appropriate medicines. The cough may sometimes be due to any other underlying health condition – such as asthma or infection. If you have any other health issue which is causing cough, your doctor will tell you. Sometimes, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) may also cause cough. A lasting cough in children is a signal of a more severe health issue.

If Your Headache and Nasal Congestion Persist

Following cold, flu, or allergic rhinitis, your nose may remain blocked due to the accumulation of mucus – which may lead to a sinus infection. If this happens, you will feel facial pressure, nasal congestion, and blockages. Therefore, if you are not getting any relief from your cold or flu even after taking medicines, it is better to see an ENT specialist at the earliest.

If You Feel difficulty swallowing

Sometimes with a cold or flu, you may feel a little bit irritated to swallow as it hurts. This is normal. A sore throat causes swallowing difficulties, which is alright, but severe pain, hoarseness, and fever can be warning signs of bacterial infections like strep throat. It needs to be treated by an ENT specialist.

If you still have concerns as to when to see a doctor for cold and flu infections, comment below.