Since treatment for most colds, bronchitis and flu is largely self-care at home, you may not need to call your health care provider.

Call us if you have:

• Fever over 102°F if you are under 65 years old.
  
• Fever over 100°F if you are 65 years or older or if you have chronic heart or lung disease or diabetes.
  
• Difficulty breathing, uncontrollable cough or chest pain.
  
• Very red sore throat with white patches. This may be a sign of "strep" infection, which is caused by bacteria and is treated with antibiotics.
  
• Severe headache or pain in the sinuses.
  
• Symptoms that worsen after five days or are present more than 10 to 14 days.

These are general guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care doctor.