Do you have a new sore throat, cough, or cold symptoms?
- Most coughs, colds, and sore throats are caused by acute, self-limited, uncomplicated viral infections. These conditions usually run their course within 7-10 days. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.
- If you have a new sore throat, cough, or congestion, you can schedule a COVID-19 test on eTang(link is external). This is a PCR test that will also check for Flu and RSV. You will be contacted with your test result eTang.
- If you have a sore throat only, you can schedule a strep throat test on eTang(link is external). Strep throat is an exception to most colds in that it is treated with an antibiotic. If your strep throat test is positive, you will be contacted on eTang regarding treatment.
How do I treat my symptoms?
The treatment for these acute, self-limited, uncomplicated viral infections includes:
- Getting adequate rest: Extra sleep can help your immune system function at its best and potentially shorten the duration of your illness.
- Staying well hydrated: When you're sick, your body needs extra hydration when you’re trying to get well. Sources of hydration include water, juice, coconut water, herbal tea, and clear soup broth.
- You can take over-the-counter medication to help reduce your symptoms.
- These medications include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches/pain/fevers and other cold medications for the treatment of cough and congestion.
- You should not use these over-the-counter medications if you have an allergy to any of the listed ingredients.
- Do not take over-the-counter cold medications at a dose or frequency that is more than what is listed on the instructions unless you are recommended to do so by your healthcare provider.
Please note: Antibiotics DO NOT treat viral infections.
Respiratory illnesses that have diagnostic tests and how to get them:
What do I do if I am not feeling better or I start feeling worse?
- If you have been sick for more than 7 days AND you do not feel that your symptoms are improving, schedule an in-person Primary Care appointment on eTang(link is external) or call the Appointment Office (510) 642-2000.
- If you have been sick for more than 72 hours AND your symptoms are worsening, schedule a Same-Day Primary Care appointment (in-person, phone, or video) on eTang(link is external) or contact the Advice Nurse at (510) 643-7197.
How do I know I need to be seen or get care right away?
If you have any of the following symptoms listed below you should contact the 24/7 Advice Nurse at (510) 643-7197 or go to the Tang Center’s Urgent Care. If the Tang Center is closed, see how to get care after-hours or go to an outside urgent care or emergency room for further evaluation.
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- New fevers that are >= 100.4 F for more than 72 hours
- A new rash that accompanies cold symptoms or fevers
- A worsening headache
- A worsening cough beyond 72 hours of your illness
- Severe abdominal pain
- You feel you might faint
- A worsening sore throat where your self-ordered COVID and strep throat tests are negative
- New or worsening:
- Difficulty swallowing (beyond a sore throat)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Eye pain