Cough and Cold

Possible Symptoms:

• cough
• sore throat
• runny nose
• body and joint aches
• sore swollen glands in the neck
• mild headache
• fever
• fatigue

Colds are caused by viruses and do not have a specific treatment at this time. Taking an antibiotic will not cure your cold. The flow chart will help you decide if you need to see a nurse/doctor. During the course of a year, adults may get several colds which may vary in the amount of discomfort they cause. Some may go almost unnoticed, while others cause severe symptoms. The very old, and those with lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic illnesses may require a visit to the nurse/doctor sooner. Normally, a cold will get bet-ter in 7 to 14 days whether you see a nurse/doctor or not. Some symptoms may last longer. A dry cough which may develop during a cold may last 2 to 3 weeks.

Please answer the following questions if you think your symptoms may require medical care.

Questions

Do you have a fever above 39.5C (103F) Rectal or 39C (102F) Oral?

or

Are you experiencing new shortness of breath?

or

Are you coughing up brown or bloody sputum?