By The Health Center
You might be questioning when to go to the doctor, especially when you have the following symptoms: sore throat, sneezing, stuffy/runny nose that might develop into thicker, yellowish mucus, stuffy ears, sinus pressure around the eyes, forehead and cheek bones, and a cough. This pretty much describes the “common cold” caused by viruses that usually lasts from seven to 14 days.
Should you go to the Student Health Center for these symptoms? Generally, no. But, if you are experiencing a high fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, and a cough, usually without the runny nose and nasal congestion, you might be suffering from the “flu.” It sort of feels like a “mack truck” ran over you — pretty unmistakable symptoms, to say the least. Medications can “slow down” the process of the flu (if started within 48 hours), but there are no guarantees. Many viruses could be the cause of the symptoms and the medications only cover Influenza A and B. Still, going to the doctor for evaluation of flu symptoms is recommended. Remember, often there are complications from the flu such as sinusitis and bronchitis which may require treatment.
Speaking of sinusitis and bronchitis, your “common cold” can progress into something more, especially if you’re sleep deprived and running on fumes. If you have a fever, red throat with white spots, thick yellow/green nasal discharge with accompanying facial/teeth tenderness and fever, or a cough productive of colored phlegm accompanied by fever, shortness of breath and/or wheezing or brochospasm (coughing fits), let us evaluate you. These symptoms may require an antibiotic or other medications to help with the symptoms.
So, you are now asking this question: Am I contagious? Should I go to classes? What about my weekend plans? The answers are “yes,” “no” and “probably not” depending on the length of time you have been sick. These decisions are ultimately up to you, but remember, your cough and sneeze, that handshake, and sharing of food/drinks, really expose others to what you have.
Try this: get enough rest, eat right, drink fluids, wash your hands frequently and balance your lifestyle. Things happen when you are “out of balance.” Bring things back in line — listen to your body, it will tell you so much. We are here to help you determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection, what treatment is needed, and to give you suggestions about staying well.
— Needs some healthy hints? Call the Health Center at ext. 4316.
February 13, 2003
