When Should You Go To The Doctor For A ‘Common Cold’?

When Should You Go To The Doctor For A ‘Common Cold’?

DoctorThe common cold is a mild health condition recovery will typically happen when your immune system successfully adapts to the particular strain of virus which has entered your system. However, you still need to keep a close eye on your condition just in case it isn’t just a common cold. If you don’t get better in a week or 2, or you are severely unwell, you should consult a Private Clinic London for a proper diagnosis to ensure that it isn’t something more severe such as meningitis or COVID-19, which can be potentially life-threatening.

Here are some signs that you need to contact your doctor immediately:

It’s Been More Than Three Weeks- if it’s just a common cold, you will normally feel completely better in a week or 2 the condition should clear up without any major medical intervention. But if your fever, cough, runny nose, congestion, sore throat won’t go away, it could be something more serious.

You Returned Recently From A Trip- if you have symptoms of a cold you have travelled recently, it’s a red flag. High-traffic areas like airports, airplane cabins, gas stations, hotels, tourist destinations have a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. After a trip abroad, you must complete 10 days self-quarantine on return to the UK. Contact a Private GP London for a video consultation if you can’t cope with your symptoms at home.

High Fever- a raised temperature can be a symptom of common cold. If your temperature is very high, or you feel hot shivery then you have a high fever. This could be sign of a more serious infection like strep throat, flu, COVID-19 or another serious medical condition. If you have an underlying health condition or a supressed immune system, you should contact a Private GP London. If a child has a fever a rash, stiff neck, is sensitive to light, has a seizure, looks pale or blotchy, is drowsy or agitated, or won’t eat or drink then you should seek emergency medical assistance.

Mild Fever For Nearly A Week- although your fever is mild, it could be a more serious problem if you have it for nearly a week. It’s a sign that your body is fighting off something more severe than a common cold. This could be an indication of flu, infection, mononucleosis, or coronavirus.

Digestive Problems- a common cold shouldn’t be associated with digestive problems like stomach pain, diarrhoea, or vomiting. If you have prolonged digestive problems, it could be something more serious, like an internal infection.

Trouble Breathing- when you have common cold, it is normal to have a runny nose congestion. But, if you are wheezing have shortness of breath, it’s certainly a more serious condition. It could be associated with asthma, pneumonia, or bronchitis you should consult a Private GP London right away.

Covid-19- symptoms can be very similar to a common cold. Covid-19 is a much more serious illness. If you have a cough, fever, or loss or change in your sense of taste of smell you must stay at home for 10 days. Try to get a Covid-19 test within 5 days of first having symptoms seek medical advice over the phone if you can’t cope with your symptoms at home.

Contact Northway Clinic

To learn more, contact Northway Clinic today speak to a healthcare professional who can answer any questions you might have.

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