When to see a doctor for your cold: Signs and symptoms

We’ve all been there – a scratchy throat, a runny nose, a general feeling of malaise. Colds are incredibly common, and more often than not they’ll run their course without any need for medical intervention. But sometimes, what starts out as a minor sniffle can linger for days and weeks, worsening or developing into something that needs professional attention.

Knowing when to see a doctor for a cold isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. Some symptoms are a normal part of your body fighting off a virus, while others can be an indication that there’s something more serious going on. So we’ve put together this helpful guide to clarify exactly where your symptoms sit – so you can decide whether to rest up at home or book in with your GP.

Be aware that the following information doesn’t replace medical advice. If you’re ever unsure about your symptoms or if something doesn’t feel right, check in with a doctor instead of waiting it out.

Common colds: When to see a doctor

A normal cold usually lasts around seven to ten days. [1]

You might feel worse in the first few days before gradually improving. But if your symptoms aren’t following that pattern – or if they’re more intense than you’d normally expect – it might be time to see your GP.

Book in an appointment if you’re dealing with: [2] [3]

• A fever above 38°C that lasts more than 72 hours or keeps returning.
• Symptoms that haven’t improved after 10 days, or that seem to get better and then worsen again.
• Severe or constant headaches.
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• Sinus pain or pressure.
• Ear pain that doesn’t resolve.
• A sore throat that lasts beyond a few days.

It’s also worth noting that some stages of common-cold symptoms can escalate depending on your age, current state of health and environmental factors. If you’re in a higher-risk group or your symptoms feel more severe than a normal cold, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP early.

Book an appointment with a GP to have your symptoms assessed.

If your young child has a cold, see a doctor if:

For little ones, colds can be a lot trickier to manage – and much harder to read. Babies and young children can’t tell you exactly how they’re feeling, so it’s important to watch their behaviour and symptoms.

See a doctor if your baby or young child has a cold and: [4] [5]

• They are under three months old and develop any fever at all.
• They have a fever above 38°C that lasts more than 48 hours.
• They’re refusing feeds or drinking less than usual.
• They seem unusually drowsy.
• Their breathing is rapid or laboured.
• They develop a rash of any kind.
• Their symptoms seem to be getting worse.

With younger patients, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. A cold that would be minor in an adult can be more serious for a baby or toddler whose immune system is still developing. If something feels off – even if you can’t pinpoint exactly what – trust your instincts and get them checked out.

When to see a doctor for a cold while pregnant

Catching a cold during pregnancy can feel more worrying than usual – and it’s completely reasonable to be cautious. Your immune system naturally changes during pregnancy, which can mean colds hit you harder and take longer to clear up.

See your GP if you’re pregnant and think you have the flu, or any concerns about your cold symptoms. [6] [7]

Your GP can advise on the safest treatment options and check that your cold isn’t developing into something more serious like a sinus infection or chest infection that needs closer attention.

Chest colds: When to see a doctor

A chest cold – also known as acute bronchitis – is a step up from the common cold in terms of severity. While a regular cold mainly affects your nose and throat, a chest cold settles into your airways and lungs, causing inflammation that results in a more constant and deeper cough.

You might want to see your GP if you’re experiencing: [8] [9]

• A serious cough that lasts longer than two to three weeks.
• Coughing up bloody mucus, or mucus in high quantities.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue that feels disproportionate to what you’d expect from a normal cold.

Chest colds can sometimes turn into more serious conditions, especially for older adults and people with existing respiratory conditions. [8] [9]

If your cough is getting worse instead of better, or if your symptoms are making it hard to go about your daily life, it’s worth getting checked sooner rather than later.

Let us take care of scheduling, so you can focus on your health

When you’re feeling run down, the last thing you want is to spend time searching for an available GP. So if your cold symptoms have you concerned or you just want the reassurance of a professional opinion – especially as flu season rears its head – getting seen shouldn’t be the hard part.

Healthengine connects you with a wide network of GPs around Australia, so you can find a provider who suits your health needs and your location. Search by availability, read reviews from patients and book an appointment in just a few quick taps – all from the comfort of your couch (or your bed, tissues in hand).

Connect with a GP and get the care you need.