Getting sick seems inevitable. For some people, colds and coughs are a standard part of life. For most people, a cold or the flu will pass quickly without any serious complications. But how do you know when it’s time to call your doctor if you have the flu, a fever, or a cough?
The flu
The medical word for the flu is influenza. Each year, multiple strains of influenza circulate and make people sick. Most people recover fully in one to two weeks, but many people get seriously ill and need to be hospitalized – estimates are about 200,000 people stay in the hospital every year to treat influenza. Tens of thousands of US citizens die each year from the flu and its complications.
Normal flu symptoms
Normal flu symptoms typically come on quickly. You may be feeling fine, then suddenly, you feel awful. Your symptoms may include:
- High fever
- Body aches
- Fatigue or feeling tired
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
Should I call the doctor if I think I have the flu?
If you have flu symptoms, the best time to contact your primary care doctor is within the first two days of symptoms. This is because you may be able to take an antiviral medication to help reduce your symptoms and decrease the number of days you’ll feel sick. Those medications need to be started within 48 hours of the onset of your symptoms to be most effective.
If you are at high risk for complications of the flu, it’s always a good idea to call your doctor as soon as you think you might have the flu. Tell the office you have flu symptoms and are at high risk, and they may get you in for a visit, prescribe an antiviral medication, or refer you to an urgent care center to be seen.
- You should always call the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing up thick, green or yellow phlegm
- A fever higher than 100.4 degrees F
- Seek emergency care if you are:
- Having difficulty breathing
- Choking
- Having difficulty swallowing
- Coughing up blood or pink phlegm
