When To Call A Professional

A small percentage of people who have a common cold develop bacterial infections of the middle ear, sinuses or lungs. If you develop high fevers, ear pain, a toothache, severe pain over your sinuses, wheezing or shortness of breath, you should see your physician to be sure that you don't have a more serious illness, such as pneumonia, bacterial sinusitis or a middle ear infection.

Prognosis

The common cold is a mild infection that improves on its own within a week. However, some people may have symptoms that last for several weeks, and a small number of patients may develop bacterial infections of the ear, sinuses or lungs following the common cold.

Additional Info

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1600 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30333 Phone: (404) 639-3534 Toll-Free: (800) 311-3435 http://www.cdc.gov/