When to seek care for cold, flu and RSV

Cold, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are most common in winter, but respiratory illnesses can occur year‑round and spread quickly. If you or your family are dealing with coughs, fevers or congestion, knowing when to seek medical care — and when symptoms can be managed at home — can help you make confident, timely decisions.

Not every illness requires a visit to the emergency department or urgent care. But some symptoms should never be ignored. Understanding warning signs can help protect your health and prevent complications.

RSV is a highly contagious virus that affects the lungs and airways. While RSV often causes mild, cold‑like symptoms in healthy adults, it can lead to serious breathing problems in infants, older adults and people with certain medical conditions.

Mayo Clinic Health System offers patients ages three and older in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa convenient virtual care for cold, flu and hundreds of other common conditions through the Mayo Clinic Primary Care On Demand app.

When you can recover at home

Many mild cold and flu symptoms can be treated at home with rest, fluids and over‑the‑counter medications.

These symptoms may include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Mild cough
• Sore throat
• Low‑grade fever
• Fatigue or body aches

RSV symptoms often begin gradually and may look like a common cold at first. In some cases, symptoms can worsen after several days, especially in young children and older adults.

If symptoms remain mild and gradually improve over several days, home care is often enough. Continue to monitor how you feel, stay hydrated and limit contact with others to reduce the spread of illness. If symptoms worsen, last longer than expected or begin to interfere with breathing or daily activities, it may be time to seek medical guidance.

When to seek emergency care

Some symptoms may signal a more serious illness and require immediate evaluation.

Go to the emergency department or call 911 if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Wheezing, rapid breathing or signs of increased effort to breathe
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu‑like symptoms that improve and then return with fever and a worsening cough

If you are unsure whether symptoms are serious, connecting with a health care professional can help you determine the safest next step.

Who should take extra precautions?

Certain people face a higher risk of complications from flu, RSV and other respiratory infections. If you or someone you care for is in one of these groups, do not delay seeking medical advice if symptoms appear in:

• Adults age 65 and older
• Children younger than 5, especially those under age 2
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People who smoke or vape

RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants and can also cause serious lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, in older adults and people with chronic heart or lung disease. Early evaluation and treatment can reduce the risk of severe illness.

Warning signs to watch for in children

Children can become sicker more quickly than adults.

Seek medical care if a child has:

• Fast or labored breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Extreme irritability or difficulty waking
• Refusal to drink fluids
• Fever accompanied by a rash

In infants, RSV may also cause pauses in breathing, flaring of the nostrils or visible pulling in of the chest muscles with each breath. Parents and caregivers know their children best. If something does not seem right, trust your instincts and seek care.

Ready to feel better, faster?

Don’t wait for symptoms to disrupt your life. Get expert guidance for coughs, colds and hundreds of other conditions for you and your family members ages 3 and older — without leaving home.

Download the Primary Care On Demand app now to connect with providers anytime, anywhere — often in 30 minutes or less.