It may be more than just a cold

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{"text":"Being on the road on this cold weather is not easy. Sometimes, you wake up with a stuffy nose and a tickle in your throat, and you just know: you’ve caught a cold. Or have you? How do you know when you’ve just got a simple cold and when you need to see a doctor? Keep reading these signs to know if you may need a checkup instead of just chicken soup.\r\n\r\nHigh fever.\r\nWhile the common cold may cause a slight fever, a temperature of 102 or higher usually indicates you’re dealing with something else, such as a sinus infection, strep, or the flu.\r\n\r\nSignificant pain.\r\nSore throats are typical of colds, as post-nasal drip can often cause irritation. However, a severe sore throat may mean you’re dealing with strep throat, which can cause serious complications if not treated. Ear pain may indicate an ear infection, a common accompaniment of colds. A severe headache should also not be ignored. It may be a sign of a sinus infection or – especially if it’s accompanied by a stiff neck.\r\n\r\nBody aches and fatigue.\r\nMild achiness and fatigue can be symptoms of many viruses, including colds, and are generally nothing to be concerned about. On the other hand, severe body aches or extreme exhaustion can be a sign you have the flu or a kidney infection.\r\n\r\nSevere or long-lasting cough.\r\nCoughs are common with colds, especially if your cold includes chest congestion. However, if your cough is severe or persists for more than a week or two, you may need to be seen by a doctor. You could have bronchitis or pneumonia.\r\n\r\nLasts longer than a week.\r\nWith colds, you should start feeling better after 7 to 10 days. If you aren’t noticing any improvement, or if you start to improve only to relapse after a day or two, you may have developed a secondary infection.\r\n\r\nThe most important is paying attention to your body. Odds are you’ve had quite a few colds in your lifetime; if you notice that you’re having an especially hard time shaking one, or if the symptoms are different or more severe than usual, it’s time to be seen by a doctor.\r\n","pics":"[{\"description\":\"\",\"height\":720.0,\"name\":\"980/android_1550553150370.jpg\",\"url\":\"\",\"width\":482.0}]","canComment":true}