As we head into colder months, even the most discerning of us might find ourselves experiencing symptoms that can surely be perplexing. Dr. Saravanos adds that, like the common cold, it tends to resolve itself within seven to ten days. It’s important to know when those symptoms are signs of something worse. More than 200 viruses lead to the development of a cold, but rhinoviruses and coronaviruses are the primary factors. These viruses cause flu-like symptoms, such as cough, sore throat and extreme fatigue. Health professionals recommend staying vigilant and understanding the nuances between a mild cold and more severe respiratory illnesses like influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Dr. Saravanos cautions that most will improve on their own without needing a doctor. He prescribes people to remain at home, in the prodromal stage of their illness. This is critical when they present symptoms that may be contagious. Furthermore, Healthdirect warns that individuals should call triple-0 for emergency assistance if they experience severe difficulty breathing or notice a change in skin color, such as turning blue.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Help
This is because the symptoms of a cold closely mirror those of all other respiratory infections in circulation. Thus, it is very important to get them right. Some common cold symptoms are a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and fatigue. Flu symptoms typically show up as a harsher experience, with high fever, body aches, and chills. While RSV can start out like a cold, it’s characterized by wheezing and in kids, that goes a long way.
Healthdirect provides resources such as the online Symptom Checker to help individuals assess their health condition and determine whether a visit to the doctor is necessary. Dr. Saravanos, who believes one should be guided by symptoms, reiterates the importance of letting symptoms be your guide on which step to take next.
“Home testing kits, or testing in healthcare services such as general practice, can guide our decision-making around infection prevention practices,” – Dr Saravanos
If you are at higher risk, including young children, older Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, stay alert to your health. Remember to seek medical attention right away if you develop any worrisome symptoms. If you develop a high fever above 38 degrees Celsius or a new, persistent cough, contact a health care professional. Healthdirect encourages you not to ignore these signs.
The Role of Testing in Diagnosis
This is a symptom that justifies testing for respiratory illnesses, which can reveal more crucial information. As Dr. Saravanos notes, clear community guidelines on implementing respiratory testing are visibly absent. He admits that testing is not achievable for all Americans citing cost and access challenges.
“Testing may not always be available depending on access and affordability of home testing kits, and laboratory services,” – Dr Saravanos
Nonetheless, testing serves multiple purposes. For example, it can be used to find people who might be eligible for influenza or COVID-19 treatment antivirals. Moreover, knowledge of circulating pathogens in the community can help focus public health resources and disease mitigation efforts, as well as guide vaccine effectiveness studies.
“Lastly, testing also serves a public health function. It helps us to understand what pathogens are circulating in the community and this can inform public health advice and research,” – Dr Saravanos
People with mild respiratory illness would not need to know the specific pathogen causing their symptoms in order to best treat them. Dr. Saravanos reassures that most respiratory infections can be managed at home through rest, hydration, and over-the-counter analgesics like paracetamol.
“Most respiratory infections can be safely managed at home with rest, hydration and over-the-counter analgesics,” – Dr Saravanos
Importance of Personal Responsibility
Patrick Reading reflects on his approach when dealing with mild colds:
“It’s good to know because, for example, I’ve got parents in their 90s and if I’ve got a mild cold I might go and see them with a mask,” – Patrick Reading
He further highlights the potential dangers posed by more severe illnesses:
“But if I’ve got influenza, that could be really life-threatening to them.” – Patrick Reading
Dr. Saravanos recommends that anyone who is not feeling well stay out of social settings to reduce the risk of spreading illness. Secondly, he recognizes that although the majority of individuals improve in a week, some need more than a week to fully recover, so to speak.
“A week may be sufficient for some people; however others will need more time for recovery,” – Dr Saravanos
