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When should I see a doctor about a cold?
You don’t normally. Most colds (and coughs, and sore throats) are due to viruses, and do not need treatment. And you do not need to see a doctor.
This is also true if the bug is a bacteria like a Strep (A) throat.
Typical cold symptoms
- Cough (dry)
- Fever (mild)
- Blocked nose and sneezing
- Aches and pains
- Mild headache
- Sore throat.
But. You should see a doctor for a cold if you:
Symptoms persist
- Fever – of 38.5°C or higher that lasts more than three days
- Severe throat or sinus pain – for more than a week
- Typical cold symptoms – get worse or don’t improve after 10 days
- Lose appetite – for more than 10 days
- Cough – that lasts more than 3 weeks.
Or it is associated with other (unusual) symptoms
- Headache – if it is associated with photophobia (light hurting your eyes) or neck stiffness. This raises the possibility of meningitis (infection of the outer surface of the brain)
- Pain in other areas. You have severe and sustained pain in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis
- Shortness of breath. You feel short of breath, especially at rest
- Red or pink eye. You have red eyes with creamy white or yellow stuff in the corners. This raises the possibility of conjunctivitis (infection of the surface of the eye). It is very infectious.
