What Are Common Cold Symptoms? | updoc

Full disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. You should also always see a Practitioner about any health needs. Should you be in a sticky situation, you should always seek out advice from a legal or health professional, depending on your needs.

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Not sure if you’ve got the flu or the common cold? We’re here to help.

Unlike stomach flu-type viruses that can cause diarrhea and vomiting, or influenza (flu) which can be soul-crushing, the common cold is usually pretty harmless – although it doesn’t necessarily always feel that way.

Usually you get better on your own when you have the cold. As a matter of fact, healthy adults usually get a cold two or three times a year. With enough rest, symptoms should disappear within 10 days, often sooner.

People who smoke or have other underlying conditions may see symptoms last longer. If symptoms don’t improve and you’re relatively healthy, you may have another condition or illness and should seek out a doctor.

Are my symptoms the common cold?

Symptoms of a common cold usually show up one to three days after exposure to the virus that causes it. Signs and symptoms often vary, but might include:

• Runny / stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Congestion
• Slight body aches or a mild headache
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever
• Generally feeling unwell or tired

Nose discharge may start out clear but become thicker and yellow or green as a common cold runs its course. This doesn't usually mean you have a bacterial infection.

When should I see a doctor in-person?

For adults — generally, you don't need in-person medical attention for a common cold. However, seek medical attention if you have:

• Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve
• Fever greater than 101.3 F (38.5 C) lasting more than three days
• Fever returning after a fever-free period
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Severe sore throat, headache or sinus pain

For children — usually, your child doesn't need to see his or her doctor for a common cold. But you should seek medical attention right away if your child has any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) in newborns up to 12 weeks
• Rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in a child of any age
• Difficulty breathing / wheezing
• Ear pain
• Extreme fussiness
• Unusual drowsiness
• Lack of appetite

Can getting rest fix my cold?

It’s easy to get an assessment from a Partner Doctor who, if suitable, can provide you a medical certificate for a day from work when you have the common cold through updoc.

Being an Aussie owned & run company, updoc understands the importance of helping our fellow Aussies out in times of need. 

We also understand what it’s like to be in the queue at a doctor’s office just to get a note to confirm things you already knew about your health, just so you can get paid on what should be your day off. Being able to speak with real Partner Practitioners online who, if suitable, can provide medical certificates, helps Australians get the rest they need when they need it so they can get back on their feet and back to contributing in no time.

If you need to speak with a Partner Practitioner who, if suitable, can provide an online medical certificate, it’s a simple process through updoc:

📱 Head here

📝 Fill in a short form — it asks for key details about your issue

👨⚕️ Consult with your own Partner Doctor — they’ll take the medical information you provide and assess your needs within 24-48 hours

📥 If they find it to be suitable, your Partner Doctor will issue you a medical certificate to your inbox — you’ll receive an SMS and an e-mail with your medical certificate ready to download

It’s important to note that the independent Partner Doctor will read your health notes and make an informed decision on whether to provide you with a medical certificate or not. The Practitioner does not work for us, and we’ve created updoc to facilitate a convenient, ongoing connection with them.