By Dr. Amber Moss, DO
Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician
Founder, Moss Health | Gillette, Wyoming
Cold and flu season is here! With kids back in school and temperatures dropping in Wyoming, respiratory illnesses are becoming more common.
When you or your child develops a cough, fever, sore throat, or congestion, how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor?
Cold vs. Flu: What’s the Difference?
Common cold symptoms typically develop gradually and include a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, mild sore throat, and cough.
Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and may include fever, chills, body aches, headaches, significant fatigue, and cough.
COVID-19 and other respiratory infections can cause similar symptoms, so testing may be helpful.
5 Signs You Should See a Doctor
Persistent fever: A fever lasting more than three days or returning after improvement may need evaluation. Infants younger than three months with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher need prompt medical attention.
Worsening symptoms: Feeling better and then suddenly getting worse may indicate a secondary infection.
Persistent or worsening cough: A worsening cough, wheezing, or new fever may require evaluation. Severe breathing difficulty or chest pain requires emergency care.
Ear pain or sinus pressure: Significant ear pain, drainage, or persistent sinus symptoms may indicate an infection.
Higher risk of complications: Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions should seek medical advice earlier.
Do You Need Antibiotics?
Most colds and flu infections are caused by viruses, meaning antibiotics won’t help. However, bacterial infections such as strep throat, certain ear infections, or pneumonia may require treatment.
For influenza, antiviral medications may be beneficial, especially when started early.
What Can You Do at Home?
For mild symptoms, focus on rest, hydration, saline nasal sprays, humidifiers, and appropriate fever-reducing medications. Honey can help soothe a cough in children older than one year and adults.
If symptoms worsen or aren’t improving as expected, schedule an evaluation.
Sick Visits at Moss Health in Gillette, WY
At Moss Health, we provide personalized sick visits for children and adults, including evaluation of coughs, fevers, sore throats, ear infections, and other common illnesses.
We also offer convenient in-office testing for:
Influenza
COVID-19
Strep throat
RSV
As an independent family medicine practice, we focus on providing thoughtful, individualized care without unnecessary treatments.
Feeling Sick? We’re Here to Help!
You don’t have to wait until symptoms become severe to get answers.
Moss Health is accepting new patients in Gillette, Wyoming, and offers appointments for acute illnesses for the whole family.
Schedule your visit today.