To review the symptoms of the common cold they are a runny nose, scratchy/sore throat, cough, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, low grade fever, body aches and mild fatigue.
Last week we listed the things you can do to help you get through the 7-10 days a typical viral cold will last for.
When do you need to seek help from your Doctor?
In general adults should see your Doctor if:
- Your fever is greater than or equal to 103 degrees F.
- Your fever is accompanied by sweating, chills and colored secretions lasting more than 3-4 days.
- You have significantly swollen glands in the neck.
- You have severe face or sinus pain.
- Your symptoms have lasted more than 10 days.
For your children you have them see their Doctor if:
- They are 2 years or older and have fever greater than or equal to 103 degrees F.
- They are 6 weeks to two years of age and have fever greater than or equal to 102 degrees F.
- They are a newborn to 6 weeks of age and have a fever greater than 100 degrees F.
- Your child has signs of dehydration, not drinking enough fluids or is not urinating.
- Your child has a fever lasting more than 3 days.
- Your child has vomiting or abdominal pain.
- Your child has unusual sleepiness.
- Your child has a headache, stiff neck, or ear pain.
- Your child has persistent crying, a persistent cough, or difficulty breathing.
These are the complications that can occur from a common cold and likely do require antibiotics: (remember this started as a viral illness)
- Acute ear infections.
- Sinusitis.
- Wheezing.
- A secondary infection occurs such as strep throat, pneumonia, bronchitis in adults and croup in children.
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