Sep 21, 2015 - 10:14 AM
Seniors and other age groups, who have conditions, such as a chronic disease or are on medications that compromise their immune system, do need to avoid getting a cold. In other words, they need to avoid crowds and people who have a cold or flu. People who know that they have a cold or flu need to stay away from people who are at risk. In fact they too should stay away from groups. Stay home, if you have a fever.
You are right: the doctor is not going to be able to treat a cold because it is a virus. Overuse of antibiotics has lead to our current problem of antibiotic resistant organisms. Additionally, You also might have shared your germs with some people in the doctor’s waiting room.
If your cold or cough is not getting better after 10 or more days. which includes if you continue to run a fever or have chest discomfort, you should see a doctor. Pneumonia is one of the complications that you could develop, which can be treated. It is good that you have an annual flu shot. You also might want to have the pneumonia vaccine, every 5 years.
Keep up the good work with staying healthy and active.