Doctors General Answers: Cold - Cough - Fever - Stomach Pain

Rajeev Reddy Nareddula 12/14/2023

Cold

What causes cold and how is it spread?

Doctor's answer: A cold is caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces.

How long does a cold last?

Doctor's answer: The duration of a cold varies from person to person, but it typically lasts for 7-14 days.

Is there any medication to cure a cold?

Doctor's answer: No, there is no medication that can cure a cold as it is caused by a virus. However, over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms such as cough, congestion, and fever.

How can I prevent catching a cold?

Doctor's answer: You can prevent catching a cold by washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands.

Can I go to work or school with a cold?

Doctor's answer: It is best to stay home from work or school when you have a cold to prevent spreading the virus to others. However, if you must go out, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoid close contact with others as much as possible.

Cough

What causes cough and how is it spread?

Doctor's answer: Cough can be caused by a variety of factors, including viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants in the air. Cough is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces.

How long does a cough last?

Doctor's answer: The duration of a cough varies depending on the cause. A cough caused by a virus may last for several weeks, while a cough caused by allergies may last for as long as the allergen is present.

Is there any medication to cure a cough?

Doctor's answer: There is no medication that can cure a cough as it is a symptom of an underlying condition. However, over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms such as congestion and mucus production.

How can I prevent catching a cough?

Doctor's answer: You can prevent catching a cough by washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands.

What should I do if my cough persists for an extended period of time?

Doctor's answer: If your cough persists for more than three weeks or if you experience other symptoms such as fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath, you should see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your cough.

Fever

What causes fever and how is it spread?

Doctor's answer: Fever is a symptom of an underlying infection or illness, and it is caused by the release of chemicals called pyrogens by the body's immune system in response to an infection. Fever is not contagious, but the underlying infection or illness that causes fever may be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.

How long does a fever last?

Doctor's answer: The duration of a fever varies depending on the underlying cause. A fever caused by a virus may last for several days, while a fever caused by bacteria may last for several weeks.

Is there any medication to cure a fever?

Doctor's answer: No, there is no medication that can cure a fever as it is a symptom of an underlying condition. However, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve discomfort.

How can I prevent getting sick and developing a fever?

Doctor's answer: You can prevent getting sick and developing a fever by washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands.

When should I seek medical attention for my fever?

Doctor's answer: You should seek medical attention for your fever if you have a high fever (over 103°F in adults or over 100°F in children), if you have other symptoms such as severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or shortness of breath, or if your fever persists for more than three days.

Stomach Pain

What causes stomach pain and how is it spread?

Doctor's answer: Stomach pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, inflammation, food intolerances, and ulcers. Stomach pain is not contagious, but the underlying cause may be spread through contaminated food or water.

How long does stomach pain last?

Doctor's answer: The duration of stomach pain varies depending on the underlying cause. Mild stomach pain caused by indigestion may last for a few hours, while more severe stomach pain caused by an infection or ulcer may last for several days or weeks.

Is there any medication to cure stomach pain?

Doctor's answer: The medication prescribed to treat stomach pain depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infections, antacids to relieve acid reflux, and medications to reduce inflammation or ulcers.

How can I prevent getting stomach pain?

Doctor's answer: You can prevent getting stomach pain by eating a balanced diet, avoiding spicy or greasy foods, drinking plenty of water, and practicing good hygiene to prevent infections.

When should I seek medical attention for my stomach pain?

Doctor's answer: You should seek medical attention for your stomach pain if you have severe or persistent pain, if you experience other symptoms such as fever, bloody stools, or weight loss, or if you have a history of chronic stomach problems such as ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease.