when to go to doc - Colds & Flu Message Board

qaz2006 · 01-05-2007, 09:30 PM

I have had this really bad cold and/or flu for the last 6 days, and am wondering if i should see doc. here are my questions
the thing that bothere me is that why am i still coughing and all snively after almost a week now?, --i thought colds last only like 3 or 4 days? do i have pnemonia or something? i just got a new job (3 months ago) working in a hospital, so i bet its something i got form there. but is it possible i contracted something in the hospital that is worse than a cold?? the cough is really annoying, always kinda itchy and i somethimes cough up gross flem.

friends have told me before that i sometimes "overract" to health concerns, so this is why i am posting all of this before considering a doc appt. --am i over-worried about this, or how long does everyone else wait before going to doc? i am otherwise healthy 33 year old. thanks alot to anyone who responds to this!

Dancer_Cat86 · 01-06-2007, 07:11 AM

I have had a cold with a bad cough for 8 days now, and still have headache fever and cough up phlegm, so some colds just last long. If your coughing up green/yellow phlegm or if your cough isnt dry then you could make an appointment. do you have a fever as well? Its probably likely that its just a cold, although if your cold doesnt get any better and your feeling ill then make an appointment!

cat

BrandyBobs Lady · 01-09-2007, 01:55 PM

If its a cold your sinuses will run with clear fluid and have an aggravating cough normally lasting 12 to 14 days. Sinus infections however produce the yellow/green mucus and should be treated with antibiotics. If you have the sinus problem along with a fever then I highly suggest you see the doctor. It's not normal to have a fever with a sinus infection and this could possibly mean pneumonia. Get it checked to rule that out.