Navigating cold and flu symptoms

Many mild fevers can be managed at home. How high it gets, how long it lasts, other symptoms, and your personal health all help determine when it’s time to seek care.

What to watch for:

• A high fever for several days
• Fevers that resolve and then return
• Severe headache, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or worsening fatigue

A mild sore throat can often be managed at home. But symptoms that are severe, last several days, or make it difficult to swallow may need medical evaluation.

What to watch for:

• Symptoms that aren’t improving after 5 days
• High or persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, or neck swelling
• Trouble drinking enough fluids or signs of dehydration

Mild to moderate symptoms can often be managed at home or with virtual care, while worsening breathing or other warning signs deserve more immediate attention.

What to watch for:

• Symptoms that aren’t improving or are getting worse
• Fever, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a persistent cough
• Chest congestion if you have a lung or heart condition, or a weakened immune system

Your child’s age, behavior, breathing, hydration, temperature, and how long symptoms last can all help signal when it’s time to seek care.

What to watch for:

• Cold symptoms that worsen or aren’t improving after 7–10 days
• Persistent fever, cough, ear pain, or unusual drowsiness or irritability
• Signs of dehydration, such as no tears when crying or fewer wet diapers or bathroom trips
• Any fever of 100.4°F or higher in a baby younger than 3 months