This is the season when sickness seems to be more prevalent; it is the season for flus, colds and other illnesses that seem to spread like wildfire through the population. This is because cold weather tends to drive people indoors for longer periods of time, so it is easier for viruses to circulate. However, when you get sick, how do you know if you need to visit the family practice Phoenix doctor? Consider a few tips to help you make the decision:
- If symptoms persist more than a few days: If you are feeling really icky with no improvement for more than a few days, then you might need to make an appointment with your family practice Phoenix doctor. This is because the symptoms might represent an underlying health issue or you may need antibiotics to start to mend.
- If you’ve got a fever higher than 100.7: Generally, a low-grade fever is indicative of the common head cold or a virus that will dissipate in a matter of days. However, if your fever shoots up higher than 100.7, call your family practice Phoenix doctor and make an appointment, as your illness may be bacterial and require medication to get better.
- If you notice a rash or redness anywhere on your body: If illness manifests anywhere on your body, such a rash on your arms or legs, this could indicate an underlying medical issue as well. The common cold doesn’t generally result in this type of reaction, so your family practice Phoenix doctor may need to see you to determine if you are having an allergic reaction of some sort. This might require further testing at your doctor’s office to ensure that your condition doesn’t worsen.
If you are unclear about whether or not you need to visit the doctor, you might call in to ask. Describing your symptoms over the phone and giving the nurse a time can help them to determine if you can utilize home remedies to try to get better or if you need to be seen in the office. It’s always prudent to inquire and make an appointment if you start to feel even worse, as you don’t want to risk ignoring what could be the symptoms of a serious, underlying illness masquerading as a cold or flu-like sickness. It’s always better to be safe than sorry in these cases.