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When to see your doctor

Common colds may aggravate ongoing medical conditions (e.g. asthma or diabetes). See your doctor if this occurs.

Some serious diseases may initially appear like a cold or flu but may require urgent medical attention. The best thing to do is to see your doctor if the symptoms come on suddenly, are severe or last longer than usual.

Make sure your child's immunisations are up to date

Make sure your child's immunisations are up-to-date

Children's colds

See your doctor if you or your child develops any of the following:

  • temperature higher than 38.5 oC or chills
  • neck stiffness
  • severe headache
  • light hurting the eyes
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath, noisy or fast breathing or difficulty breathing
  • a skin rash
  • pale or mottled skin
  • vomiting
  • difficulty waking up or unusual drowsiness
  • persistent cough
  • aching muscles

OR if your child or baby has any of the following:

  • bulging of the fontanelle (soft spot on top of the baby's head)
  • a high temperature (in babies under 6 months of age)
  • excessive irritability
  • a strange, high-pitched cry
  • lack of energy
  • loss of appetite / not drinking / feeding poorly
  • earache.

Your doctor can check the severity of the illness, tell you how long it may last, give advice on treatment and provide a medical certificate if needed.

COMMON COLDS,
COMMON SENSE
MORE INFO
COMMON COLDS,
COMMON SENSE
MORE INFO

Date published: 2011-07-08 00:00:00

Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.

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