When To See Your Family Doctor When You're Sick

When you have a cold or the flu, you can feel so miserable that you think you have a more serious condition. While it isn't always necessary to go to the doctor when you're sick with a cold or the flu, there are times when it's a good idea to be checked out. Here are some signs that you should think about seeing your family doctor when you're sick.

When You Keep Feeling Worse Rather Than Better

A cold or flu can last several days, but you usually only have a few rough days, and then you gradually get better. If you gradually keep feeling worse instead, you might have a secondary infection that needs to be treated. Even though you may not even feel like going to the doctor, it's a good idea to at least call for advice. If you have a bacterial infection, then antibiotics might be needed to help you get better.

You're Wheezing And Feeling Short Of Breath

Bronchitis sometimes accompanies a cold, especially if you smoke. Shortness of breath can indicate an infection in your lungs, such as bronchitis. In addition to wheezing and feeling short of breath, your lips or fingernails might look a little blue if your lungs aren't getting enough oxygen. Shortness of breath can be a serious sign, and your doctor might advise you to go to the ER if you can't get to the office right away.

You Can't Control The Vomiting

If you've been vomiting frequently, you might have something besides the stomach flu, such as food poisoning. Whether it's the flu or something else, severe vomiting is serious since you can become dehydrated. Combine vomiting with a fever that dehydrates you even more, and your health could be at risk. If you also have diarrhea, your risk of dehydration is even higher. If your vomiting seems severe and frequent, then a visit to the doctor is a good idea.

You Have A Medical Condition, Such As COPD

If you have a medical conditionm such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, or an immune disorder, then you may be affected more severely by a common cold virus and the flu. When you have a medical problem already, you should call your doctor early in the course of your illness rather than wait until you're completely sick. Your doctor might want to adjust your medications or even put you in the hospital for observation until you start to feel better.

Although it can be difficult sometimes to know when to see a doctor when you're sick, you should always err on the side of being proactive about your health. Don't try to ride out an illness if your symptoms seem severe or if you have a high fever. Getting prompt medical care could mean the difference between a quick recovery and a secondary infection that makes you feel bad even longer.

For more information, reach out to a doctor like Stellis Health. 

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