How to prepare for a video visit about Common Cold

Audience: adult

The common cold is a mild viral infection affecting the nose and throat. It often causes symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough. Most people recover within a week or two without needing special treatment. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you discuss your symptoms, learn how to manage them, and understand when to seek further care. Preparing well for your telemedicine appointment can make the visit more effective. This includes noting your symptoms, any medicines you are taking, and having a quiet space with good internet connection. While telemedicine can guide you on symptom relief and when to get in-person care, it cannot perform physical exams or tests. If you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or high fever, seek emergency care promptly. This guide helps you get ready for your video visit about the common cold and know what to expect.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or fever above 39°C (102°F) — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or persistent vomiting — seek emergency medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing common cold symptoms and their usual course
• Providing advice on symptom relief and home care
• Determining when in-person care is needed
• Answering questions about prevention and transmission

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations such as listening to lungs
• Conducting laboratory tests or imaging
• Diagnosing other illnesses that require in-person evaluation
• Providing emergency care

What is the Common Cold?

The common cold is caused by viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. It is very common and usually mild. Symptoms often include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and sometimes a mild fever. The cold usually lasts about 7 to 10 days. It spreads easily through droplets when people cough or sneeze, or by touching surfaces with the virus and then touching your face.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, a healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms, suggest ways to relieve them, and advise when you might need in-person care. They can help you understand how to manage your cold at home, such as resting, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medicines safely. Telemedicine can also help you decide if your symptoms might be caused by something more serious.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot perform physical exams like listening to your lungs or taking your temperature directly. It also cannot do laboratory tests or imaging. If your symptoms are severe or unusual, your provider may recommend you see a healthcare professional in person for further evaluation.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms and when they started. Note any medicines or supplements you are taking. Find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection. Have a list of questions ready. Make sure your device’s camera and microphone work well. Being prepared helps you get the most from your visit.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the advice your healthcare provider gives you. This may include resting, drinking fluids, and using medicines to ease symptoms. Watch for any worsening signs. If your symptoms do not improve or you develop new problems, contact your healthcare provider again or seek in-person care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they started
• Note any medicines, supplements, or allergies
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the visit
• Check that your device’s camera and microphone work
• Ensure a stable internet connection

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider’s advice on rest and hydration
• Use over-the-counter medicines as recommended
• Monitor your symptoms for any worsening or new signs
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen
• Seek emergency care if you experience red-flag symptoms

FAQs

Can a common cold be treated with antibiotics?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses that cause the common cold. They are only effective for bacterial infections. Using antibiotics unnecessarily can cause side effects and antibiotic resistance.

How long does a common cold usually last?

Most common colds last about 7 to 10 days. Symptoms often peak around day 3 or 4 and then slowly improve. If symptoms last longer or worsen, you should seek medical advice.

When should I see a doctor in person for a cold?

See a healthcare provider in person if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, a high fever that does not improve, severe headache, or if your symptoms worsen after initially improving.

Can I prevent catching a cold?

You can reduce your risk by washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter medicines for cold symptoms?

Yes, many over-the-counter medicines can help relieve cold symptoms. However, follow the instructions carefully and consult your healthcare provider if you have other health conditions or take other medicines.

Sources

1. Common Cold — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Common Cold - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Common Cold — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Common Cold — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.