Red flags & when to go in person for Common Cold

Audience: adult

The common cold is a mild viral infection affecting the nose and throat. Most people recover on their own within a week or two. Telemedicine can help you understand symptoms and manage mild cases safely at home. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person. These include difficulty breathing, chest pain, very high fever, or symptoms that worsen or last longer than usual. Knowing when to seek in-person care can prevent complications. This guide explains common warning signs, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for a virtual visit. It also offers tips for care after your telemedicine appointment. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek immediate in-person care or emergency services.
• Chest pain or pressure — urgent medical evaluation needed in person.
• High fever above 39°C (102°F) lasting more than 3 days or worsening symptoms — see a healthcare provider in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild cold symptoms
• Advice on symptom relief and home care
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination or diagnostic testing
• Emergency treatment for severe symptoms
• Diagnosis of complications such as pneumonia

What is the Common Cold?

The common cold is caused by viruses that infect your upper respiratory tract. Symptoms often include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, and mild fatigue. Most people recover without needing special treatment, usually within 7 to 10 days.

When to Use Telemedicine for a Cold

Telemedicine can help you check your symptoms, get advice on symptom relief, and learn when to seek further care. It is useful if you have mild symptoms without breathing problems or high fever. A healthcare provider can guide you on home care and when to watch for warning signs.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain symptoms may mean you need urgent in-person evaluation:

If you experience these, go to a healthcare facility promptly.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

**Can handle:**

**Cannot handle:**

If your symptoms are severe or worsening, in-person care is necessary.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your virtual appointment:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

Keep emergency numbers handy in case your condition changes suddenly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they began
• Note any current medications or treatments
• Have your medical history and allergies ready
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet
• Find a quiet, private place for the telemedicine visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions
• Use recommended over-the-counter medications as directed
• Rest and stay hydrated
• Watch for any worsening or new symptoms
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms worsen

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose a common cold?

Telemedicine providers can often assess your symptoms and suggest whether you likely have a common cold. However, they cannot perform physical exams or tests needed to rule out other conditions.

When should I go to the emergency room for a cold?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or very high fever that does not improve. These may indicate serious complications.

How long does a common cold usually last?

Most common colds last about 7 to 10 days. If symptoms worsen or persist beyond this, you should seek in-person medical evaluation.

Can I take antibiotics for a common cold?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses that cause colds. They are only used for bacterial infections, which are different.

What can I do at home to feel better?

Rest, drink plenty of fluids, use over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms, and avoid smoking or exposure to irritants.

Sources

1. Common Cold — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Common Cold: Symptoms and Causes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Common Cold — Mayo Clinic.
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, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have serious or worsening symptoms, seek in-person medical attention promptly.