It can be tempting for many of us to skip seeing a doctor when we are under the weather. Instead, we choose to huddle in the bed, while curling inside our favorite blanker. Though ample rest is fine for dealing with common cold, it may not work if people have more serious ailments. It’s likely for many of us to put off seeing doctor, because some serious illnesses may start out as something quite ordinary. It’s important for people to tell the difference between a more severe condition and common cold. Here are signs that patients may require more intensive treatments.
- Adults with high fever: It’s quite unlikely for adults with common cold to have high fever. If body temperature goes beyond 102, there’s a possibility that their body is dealing with something more than just a common cold. It’s true that moderate fever may actually boost our immune system and kill bad microbes, but it’s probably good idea to see a doctor to address possible underlying issues.
- Severe headaches: Headaches can be so intense sometimes that we lost the ability to concentrate or to think clearly. If this happens; it’s a good idea to get our condition checked out by the doctor. We may have an illness that’s associated with the central nervous system, including meningitis. Many people with meningitis tend to get that lightheaded and fuzzy feeling. In this case, patients shouldn’t tough it out and they need to make an appointment immediately.
- Recurring illness: Some people may start to feel mildly sick, get a bit better and then unwell again. This could be a sign of superinfection. It’s a secondary form of infection that could happen when mild illness has weakened our immune system. Our immune system could already just get overwhelmed and another infection is able to penetrate the defenses before our body could fully recover. In this case, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to ensure that there’s nothing too serious going on.
- Severe weakness: People with cold-like symptom may feel so weak and achy that simple tasks like getting out of the bed is very difficult to do. Fatigue and muscle aches could indicate that we have a more serious form of flu. Contrary to popular belief, doctors could actually make our flu experience a bit less miserable. A doctor may prescribe us antiviral medications, which shorten the duration of our symptoms by weakening the virus.