It's never fun getting sick, especially if you've come down with a severe cold. The symptoms of a severe cold are usually very unpleasant and can leave you feeling completely worn out, fatigued and physically stressed. Colds can last up to 10 days, according to MayoClinic.com. If your symptoms persist, contact your doctor, as this can be a sign of a more serious medical issue.
Fever
A low-grade fever is usually one of the primary signs of a severe cold, generally occurring in combination with several other symptoms such as fatigue, cough and congestion. According to MayoClinic.com, if your fever gets higher than 103 degrees F or your fever is accompanied by sweating or chills, you should seek medical attention immediately. Most people with the common cold do not experience a high fever. This can be a sign that your cold has become more serious or developed into a bacterial infection, so it's important to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Congestion, Cough and Sneezing
Frequent sneezing is one of the first signs of a cold and usually caused by nasal discharge and congestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Similarly, congestion and coughing are two often-related key symptoms of a severe cold. Sinus congestion, runny nasal discharge that becomes thicker as the cold runs its course, and coughing up phlegm are some of the more common symptoms of congestion. Hacking coughs that bring up phlegm can cause painful sore throats and are often signs of a more severe cold. Notice if your phlgem changes color from clear to green, white or brown. Colds are viral and don't require antibiotics; they usually go away on their own after a few days. However, phlegm that changes color can be a sign of a bacterial infection, and you may need antibiotics.
Aches and Fatigue
Severe colds are often accompanied by headaches and general body aches and pains, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You may also feel a sense of overall fatigue like you don't have enough energy to get out of bed. And you shouldn't, according to MayoClinic.com. The cold needs to run it's course, and staying in bed and drinking warm fluids can help to ease your aches and pains and help you to get over the feelings of fatigue.
