Cold, Sore Throat, or Sinus Infection? When a Video Visit Helps

The CDC says a cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms usually peak within 2 to 3 days and can include a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sneezing, sore throat, headache, mild body aches, and a low-grade fever. Colds usually last less than a week. The CDC adds that COVID-19, flu, and RSV can cause cold-like symptoms and are more likely to cause severe illness, so get tested if you suspect them, especially if you are at higher risk.

The CDC says most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own within about a week. Only around 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat. Cough, runny nose, hoarseness, or pink eye suggest a virus. Strep throat is more likely with fever, pain when swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, white patches on the tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, and the CDC says a quick test is how healthcare providers tell it apart from a viral sore throat. A video visit cannot run that test. If the clinician suspects strep, they may ask you to get tested in person.

Sinus infections can cause a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, post-nasal drip, cough, and bad breath. The CDC says viruses cause most of them, and most get better without antibiotics. A clinician may suggest watchful waiting for a few days or, in some cases, an antibiotic. Saline spray, a warm compress, steam, and rest are common comfort measures.

The CDC advises seeing a healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms, symptoms that get worse after improving, symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better, a fever longer than 3 to 4 days, or multiple sinus infections in the past year.

A clinician can ask about your symptoms and timeline, look at you on camera, review your medications and allergies, and help you decide between rest at home, over-the-counter relief, a test, or an in-person visit. They can also explain why an antibiotic would not help a virus. The CDC notes that unneeded antibiotics carry side effects, from rashes to serious allergic reactions and C. diff infection, and add to antibiotic resistance. A clinician may prescribe a medicine when it is appropriate. A visit does not guarantee one.

• Trouble breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath at rest
• Difficulty swallowing, blood in your saliva or phlegm, or signs of dehydration
• Severe headache, a stiff neck, or confusion
• Swelling or redness around the eyes, or any change in vision
• A high fever, or a fever that lasts more than 3 to 4 days
• Symptoms that improve and then get worse
• You are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have a lung or heart condition and feel worse

A standard primary care video visit is $89 per visit, and you see the price before you book. See how DOC MD works and what a video visit can treat.