When do I have to go to the doctor?
Patients usually consult their doctor in the first few days after the onset of symptoms, as they need a sick note. In principle, however, the doctor cannot do much more for them – the magic word for a cold is patience. If the symptoms do not improve over a period of several days or even get worse, a doctor should be consulted.
This doctor should check whether it is a bacterial pathogen that might need antibiotics. If the symptoms persist even several weeks, a physician should be likewise visited, in order to exclude rarer causes such as a rheumatic illness. There are certain groups of patients who should generally consult a doctor.
Among them belong With these patients an infection can take a worse process by the weakened immune system.In rare cases, the flu, for example, can even lead to death. Get more information on when you should consult a doctor with a fever.
- Pregnant women,
- Immunocompromised patients or
- Old people.
Duration of fever with aching limbs
The duration of fever and limb pain varies according to the cause and also shows individual differences. Determining factors are for example age and constitution of the patient. The classic flu usually lasts 9-14 days.
A banal cold is usually cured somewhat faster, but can also last up to 2 weeks. A good rule of thumb is the following: 3 days it comes, 3 days it stays, 3 days it goes. For flu and colds, the cough (if present) can last up to 6 weeks.
This is based on bronchial hyperreactivity. After the virus has been released, the cells of the respiratory tract die and must then be regenerated. Until then the cough can persist.
Special features for children
Fever is much more common in children than in adults. Due to the KITA, children are exposed to significantly more pathogens than adults. As a rule, however, fever is no cause for concern.
A doctor should be consulted if febrile convulsions can occur as a possible complication of high fever. The child convulses, is unresponsive and sinks into deep exhaustion after the attack. Such a seizure should be avoided at all costs. Another special feature is that children are contagious longer than adults.
