Colds (contagious, viral, infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract "URI")
Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
moderate to severe shortness of breath (SOB) with blurred or double vision or stiff neck
difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, wheezing
Yes
No
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening.
nothing can shorten the duration of a cold, symptoms last an average of 7-10 days and antibiotics do not help a common cold
airborne droplets carry the virus and are passed by contact with contaminated objects (hands, doorknobs, utensils, etc.) Young children in daycare often have 1 cold /month
children are contagious until 2-3 days after symptoms begin
hoarseness, dizziness and/or sneezing are more associated with viral rather than bacterial infections
consult with your Health Care Provider, before using over-the counter (OTC) expectorants, antitussives, lozenges, decongestants or antihistamines
Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
fever of 100.4 ((rectal) or greater for longer than48- 72 hours, and/or not responding to fever-reducing medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
signs of dehydration (dry mouth, little or no urine output, little or no fluid intake, "soft spot" (fontanel) is sunken, no tears)
