A clear and unmistakable warning that a bacterial infection is present is when previously clear nasal mucus turns a yellow or green color, or has a foul smell.
Bacterial infections frequently commence with largyngitis before spreading to bronchitis, ear infection, pneumonia, pharyngitis or strep throat, or tonsillitis. These complications frequently require medical treatment. Since they are primarily bacterial infections, they respond readily to antibiotics. Because complications may be either viral or bacterial, you should see a doctor without delay.
Other danger signs indicating a complication, and for which medical care should be sought, include these:
A fever over 101°F (38.3°C) with shaking, chills and coughing up of thick green, yellow or rust-colored, or foul-smelling phlegm.
A fever over 101°F (38.3°C) that lasts more than four days.
A persistent high fever over 102°F (38.8°C) with muscle aches that extends beyond three days.
A fever higher than 103°C (39.4°C).
Shortness of breath.
A sharp pain in the chest following a deep breath. Coughing up of blood.
Severe cold symptoms or a sore throat which do not ameliorate after seven to eight days.
Throat pain in a child.
Breathing difficulty in a child with a cold, especially if accompanied by a hoarse cough.
A painful sore throat accompanied by:
—yellow-white pus spots on throat or tonsils.
—exposure to someone with strep throat.
—tender or swollen glands or bumps in front of the neck.
—a rash which appears during or after a sore throat.
—any past history of rheumatic heart disease, rheumatic fever, kidney disease or chronic lung disease such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Appearance of any one or more of these warning signs may indicate a bacterial complication for which you should consult a physician without delay. You should also see a doctor if hoarseness from a cold has not improved after two weeks, especially if you smoke.
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