When Does My Cold Need Further Treatment?
A cold can lead to a secondary bacterial infection.If your cold persists beyond 1-2 weeks or you experience any of the following, see a clinician at M.S. Shook Student Health Service:
- Pain around the eyes
- Swollen, painful neck glands
- Painful breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Severe headache
- Fever > 100.5°F for more than 2 days
- White patches on throat or tonsils
- Extremely red throat
- Unusual, chronic fatigue
- Ineffective usual medications
- Sore throat symptoms not improving 2-3 days after a negative throat culture
For more info, visit the CDC's Common Cold page.
