Signs You Need To See a Doctor | AFC Urgent Care Loxahatchee Groves

With the cold and flu season beginning to pick up, one common question people have is whether or not their illness warrants a trip to the doctor. AFC Urgent Care of Loxahatchee Groves has a few recommendations for you this sick season. You should see a doctor if:

Your cold symptoms are accompanied by chest pain.
Neither a cold nor the flu should make your chest hurt. Chest pain during a cold can indicate inflammation in the lining of your lungs and possibly pneumonia. You should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Your fever isn’t going away.
A fever that won’t go away may mean you have another infection which needs medical treatment. Keep in mind that for adults, a fever is a temperature over 100.4 degrees F. Come on in to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Learn more about fevers in children here.

You can’t keep fluids down. Our bodies require fluids and an adequate balance of electrolytes. The most serious complications of influenza typically involve dehydration. If you can’t drink anything without vomiting, you should see a doctor. You may require fluids through an IV and other treatment for your symptoms.

It hurts (a lot) to swallow.
Believe it or not, but a typical sore throat should only make it hurt a bit to swallow. It shouldn’t give you severe pain. If it hurts a lot to swallow, you may have an infection–like strep throat–which should be treated by a doctor.

You can’t quit coughing.
A lingering cough can be caused by postnasal drip, which can be treated with antihistamines. But it might also be related to asthma, GERD, pneumonia, bronchitis, or whooping cough. It’s best to see a doctor so you know exactly what kind of treatment you need. What is whooping cough?

Your congestion and headache aren’t improving.
Your illness might have begun as an ordinary cold, but later progressed into a sinus infection. If you find that regular cold medicine isn’t providing relief, you should see a doctor for proper medical treatment.

*We know that it can get confusing during the fall and winter months, with so many different illnesses going around the community. Sometimes, you really just need the peace of mind to know what you’re dealing with. You are always welcome to walk into AFC Urgent Care in Loxahatchee Groves to get a diagnosis do you can proper treatment and begin feeling better as soon as possible. Visit our website today to learn more about our clinic and services.*