Seek emergency medical treatment if there is difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a severe headache.
This article discusses when you should go to the doctor for a cold or flu.
It explains when a cough, fever, headache, and other symptoms warrant medical attention.
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It also outlines who is at high risk for complications and should consult their healthcare provider.
Difficulty Breathing
Congestion from colds and flu can make breathing harder.
However, difficulty breathing may warrant emergency medical attention.
Some fevers even require emergency medical attention.
Headache Wont Go Away
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:
Headaches can sometimes be a medical emergency.
However, a severe sore throat may be a secondary bacterial infection orstrep throat.
Ear pain that doesn’t respond to at-home treatment could be an ear infection.
Persistent or severe vomiting with or without diarrhea can lead todehydration.
Stomach pain is an uncommon cold and flu symptom.
However, other flu-like viruses and influenza subtypes likeH1N1can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In children, persistent abdominal pain accompanying cold and flu symptoms warrants emergency medical treatment.
Reye’s syndrome typically starts with severe stomach pain, vomiting, lethargy, and confusion.
It can lead to seizures and death if not treated quickly and appropriately.
Antiviral medications can reduce the risk of complications if taken within the first two days of symptoms.
Summary
For the most part, the common cold and influenza can be managed with at-home treatments.
However, symptoms that are severe, persist, or return after resolving may require prescription medication.
People who have a high risk of complications should also see their doctor if they may have the flu.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Fever.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Headache.
American Academy of Family Physicians: FamilyDoctor.org.Deciding when to see a doctor.
Nemours: KidsHealth.org.Reye syndrome.
American Osteopathic Society.Know the warning signs when to call the doctor if your sore throat persists.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.When to give kids medicine for coughs and colds.
American Academy of Dermatology.Rash 101 in adults.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Drug allergies.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ear infection.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Dehydration.
American Academy of Family Physicians: FamilyDoctor.org.H1N1 influenza.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Reye’s syndrome information page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Key facts about influenza (flu).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.People at higher risk of flu complications.
