Flu and colds – you need to find out from the doctor?
Each person has a unique medical history. Therefore it is very important to talk to your doctor about personal risk factors for viral upper respiratory tract infections – colds and flu.
General Tips collection of information about the disease
Some tips, to help facilitate communication with the doctor:
- In an interview with the doctor, you can take a friend or relative. This will help to monitor the patient and, perhaps, ask leading questions;
- We need to write down questions in advance, so then do not forget about them;
- It is necessary to write down the answers, and make sure, that they are clear. If necessary, you need to ask for clarification of unclear point;
- In the course of the conversation, you can ask additional questions and to ask, where you can find more information on the problem.
Specific issues, you need to ask your doctor
About viruses
Is there any chance, that the disease is more serious, than a cold or the flu?
About the risk of developing complications
Do you have any diseases, which can worsen the state of health due to acute respiratory infections?
What should be done, to prevent complications?
About the treatment and prevention
- What treatments are recommended for the treatment of?
- Do we need other procedures, except for rest, nutrition, humidification, medication?
- Is it possible to use alternative methods of treatment, such as honey, hot milk with honey or herbal preparations, such as echinacea?
- Do I have to do every year, the flu shot?
- Does surrounding people with special protection against the virus?
- Should surrounding take preventive doses (drugs for the prevention of influenza)?
About the further actions
- Should I go to the hospital again, if the state of health does not become better through 10 days or if symptoms worsen?
- What other symptoms of a cold or flu can still occur?
