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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