See a doctor immediately if you have a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C), severe chills, or difficulty breathing. These could indicate a serious infection requiring urgent medical attention.
Don’t delay seeking medical advice if your symptoms worsen despite self-care, such as taking over-the-counter medications. For example, if a cough produces green or yellow mucus accompanied by chest pain, consult your doctor. Similarly, if a simple sore throat progresses to difficulty swallowing or severe pain, prompt medical care is necessary.
Recognizing Serious Skin Infections
Seek immediate medical help if you notice a rapidly spreading skin infection with red streaks emanating from the affected area, increased pain, or pus. These signs may point to cellulitis, a potentially dangerous bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
When to See a Doctor for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
While many UTIs respond to self-care measures like increased water intake, persistent symptoms like painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, or blood in your urine necessitate a doctor’s visit. Fever alongside these symptoms warrants immediate attention.
