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Learn More: Cold and Flu
When to Call the Doctor for a Cold or the Flu
Take the RealAge Cold and Flu Assessment for personalized recommendations to treat your symptoms.
A call to a healthcare professional will be needed if the following signs or symptoms develop:
- fever of 104°F or higher that does not go down within 2 hours of home treatment
- fever over 101°F accompanied by shaking chills and a productive cough (a wet, loose cough)
- persistent fever (102°F over 2 full days, 101°F over 3 days, 100°F over 4 days)
- labored, shallow, and rapid breathing
- mucus from the lungs that is yellow, green, rust-colored, or bloody
- facial pain
- continued or increasing nasal discharge regardless of color for over 7 days
- productive cough for more than 7–10 days
- fussy child with no appetite
- infant or toddler who tugs at his or her ears or cries whenever lying down
- infant or toddler who refuses to eat or drink
