COLDS

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR COLDS

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

Severe difficulty breathing (e.g. struggling for each breath, unable to speak)
Very weak (can't stand)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You feel weak or very sick
Difficulty breathing, and is not from a blocked or stuffy nose
Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
Fever of 100.5 F (38.1 C) or higher and you
- Are over 60 years of age
- Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)
- Are bedridden (e.g. nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness, recovering from surgery)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

You think you need to be seen
Earache or cloudy discharge from ear canal
Yellow or green eye discharge
Lots of yellow or green nasal discharge present for more than 3 days
Sinus pain or pressure persists for more than 24 hours despite nasal washes and pain medications
Fever present for more than 3 days

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
Fever returns after being gone for more than 24 hours
Nasal congestion (blocked nose) interferes with sleep after using nasal washes several times
Nasal discharge present for more than 10 days

Self Care at Home If

Mild cold and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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