Doctor vs. DIY: When to seek support for your symptoms this cold and flu season

When you’re not feeling well, it’s natural to wonder whether you need care from a doctor or if you can manage your symptoms yourself.

“It’s very common to feel unsure about when to seek care,” says Robby Lynch, physician assistant team lead at IU Health Urgent Care. “Every patient's situation is a little different. However, if you find yourself unsure on how to recover, you should always reach out to your provider or be evaluated in person to get better guidance. If something feels off, trust your gut and get evaluated.”

Many common illnesses can be treated with rest and simple remedies, but some symptoms signal something more serious. Knowing the difference can help you recover faster and avoid complications.

Common illnesses you can usually manage at home

• Colds and viral upper respiratory infections: Typical symptoms include a runny nose, mild cough, sore throat and/or low fever. Getting plenty of rest, increasing your fluid intake and using over the counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve your symptoms at home.

“Viral respiratory infections typically start abruptly and make you feel terrible,” says Lynch. “Antibiotics aren’t helpful treating respiratory infections early on and can cause harm. They come into consideration if symptoms persist beyond 7–10 days or worsen after initial improvement.”

• Mild stomach bugs: Typical symptoms include nausea, mild diarrhea and stomach cramps. Hydration via electrolyte drinks and nourishment via bland foods can help relieve or mitigate symptoms.
• Seasonal allergies: Typical symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion and can be relieved with antihistamines, nasal rinses and avoiding allergen triggers.

Symptoms and illnesses that require medical intervention

The flu, strep throat, sinus infections lasting more than 10 days, ear infections, asthma flare-ups and COVID-19 with breathing difficulty can be supported with medical intervention. If your illness is undiagnosed, the following symptoms indicate something more serious might be happening:

• a severe sore throat
• persistent vomiting
• a high fever that lasts more than three days
• a cough that lasts more than three weeks
• a severe headache
• stiff neck
• shortness of breath

“Breathing issues or the inability to keep fluids down, control fever, pain, or other symptoms are all signs you should seek medical help,” says Lynch. “Or, if symptoms continue over a week without improvement or get worse again after initially getting better, you should get evaluated.”

Adults 65 years and older, infants and young children, pregnant individuals and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or weakened immune systems should consider seeing a doctor sooner rather than later for support.

“When these individuals get sick, it can progress quickly. It’s recommended they seek care more proactively than others might need to,” says Lynch.

Urgent Care and On-Demand Virtual Visits can help

When you’re feeling ill, listen closely to your body and reach out if you’re in doubt.

“If you’re unsure, contacting your provider is always the right choice,” says Lynch.

On-Demand Virtual Visits, available daily from 8 am – 8 pm, offers a convenient way for Indiana residents 2 years or older to connect with a provider from a smart device or computer with no appointment needed. Be sure to download the mobile app for an even smoother user experience.

Urgent Care walk-in clinics are available all day with extended evening hours, over the weekend and during holidays to adults and children three months or older.