Part of being an adult is knowing when you’re well, you’re ill, and when you need to see a doctor. As a child, you could tell a parent that your tummy hurt or your throat was a sore. As an adult, you’ll recognize the symptoms but need to decide for yourself whether it can be treated at home or needs an expert opinion.
So, how are you to know if you should just drink some extra fluids and rest or if you need to see the doctor? There are a few guidelines that can help with this decision.
- Do you have a fever? If so, you probably should make an appointment with your doctor, as the illness may be of a bacterial nature.
- Have you had a cough, sore throat, or other ENT symptom for a week? It’s probably time to be seen.
- Are you just generally unsure? Call your doctor’s office, and ask to speak with a nurse. Nurses are excellent at triaging and suggesting whether you need to be seen or can wait.
Of course, there are many other symptoms that can be observed. Use your best common sense, and call the doctor if you aren’t sure.
If you need to see your doctor, there are many possible actions he or she will take. It could just be a visual exam, checking tonsils, ears, etc. It also could involve a throat swab for strep throat or some bloodwork to look for other issues.
Doctors have all sorts of lab resources to help and solve the mystery of your illness. Whether it’s a full blood panel or hla immunology, you doctor can take a deeper look into your health to get you feeling better soon.
When illness strikes this winter, take the time to self-evaluate. If you aren’t sure, give your doc’s office a call. Hopefully you’ll be better in no time!
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