Preparing for an appointment

If you or your child has a cold and symptoms persist or worsen or are severe, make an appointment with your primary care provider or your child's pediatrician. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your or your child's symptoms and when they began
• Key personal information, including major stresses, other health conditions and exposure to people who've been ill
• Medications, vitamins or supplements you or your child takes
• Questions to ask your doctor

For a common cold, questions to ask your doctor may include:

• What's likely causing these symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes?
• Are tests needed?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• What treatments should be avoided?
• How soon do you expect symptoms to improve?
• Am I or my child contagious? When is it safe to return to school or work?
• What self-care steps might help?
• I or my child has other health conditions. How can we manage them together?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• How long have you had symptoms?
• Have symptoms been continuous?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• Did symptoms improve and then worsen?
• What, if anything, seems to improve the symptoms?
• What, if anything, worsens symptoms?

Your doctor will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.