| |
When to Call the Doctor for a Cold |
| |
Symptoms last more than 10 days
Severe pain in face or forehead
Fever higher than 102 degrees F
Short of breath
Wheezing
Earache or drainage from the ear canal
Sore throat or cough that doesn't go away
|
|
|
When to See the Doctor
Viral infections cause many different kinds of diseases from the common cold to meningitis. Sometimes viral infections can lead to life-threatening complications like pneumonia, severe dehydration, or coma.
Some signs of infection include:
- Fever.
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Rash.
- Cough.
- Increased pain.
Many viral infections heal on their own. If you have any of these symptoms, your think you may have an infection, you have a minor infection that is not getting better or you are feeling worse, contact your doctor. For children, the elderly, and anyone with a chronic disease or in a weakened state, it's always best to be cautious and call anytime you have concerns.
Some signs and symptoms of more serious infection can include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Headache, high fever and stiff neck.
- Seizure.
- Lethargy, confusion and loss of consciousness.
If you have any of the above symptoms or you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 right away.
Because there are so many different kinds of infections, it is not possible to detail on this page all the circumstances where medical attention is needed. If you have concerns, call your doctor or nurse line.
If you are not getting better from a viral infection call your doctor. For children, the elderly, and anyone with a chronic disease or in a weakened state, it's always best to be cautious and call anytime you have concerns.
If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 right away. Examples of symptoms that may be an emergency include: difficulty breathing, seizure, confusion and loss of consciousness.
More on Viral Infections Colds and Flu
In the Encyclopedia: Leukemias, acute
Adenovirus infections
Cough suppressants
Antiretroviral drugs
Antiviral drugs
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
|
|
|
