Free reference
When to seek medical help
What official health sources say about when to contact a GP or doctor. This page does not diagnose. If you're unsure, contact a healthcare professional. In an emergency call 999 (UK), 911 (US) or your local number.
| If you have… | What sources suggest | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Catarrh lasting more than a few weeks | See a GP | NHS |
| New sore throat, problems swallowing, or loss of smell | See a GP | NHS |
| Cough for more than 3 weeks, or phlegm for more than 3 weeks | See a GP | NHS, Asthma + Lung UK |
| Finding it hard to breathe, chest pain, or feeling very unwell | Urgent GP appointment or NHS 111. US readers: urgent care, your doctor, or 911 | NHS |
| A few spots or streaks of blood in phlegm | Urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 | NHS |
| More than a few streaks of blood, or blood with breathlessness, fast heartbeat or chest pain | Call 999 or go to A&E. US: 911 or the ER | NHS |
| Fever, wheezing, or bad-smelling mucus | Contact a healthcare provider | Cleveland Clinic |
| Fever, nosebleeds or headaches while using a nasal rinse | Return to a healthcare provider | FDA |
| A child with thick or foul-smelling discharge from one side of the nose | See a doctor | ENT Health |
| A weakened immune system | Ask a provider before nasal rinsing (FDA); see a GP about a cough (NHS) | FDA, NHS |
Free checklist · being prepared
When to seek help
An educational checklist of signs and when official sources say to contact a GP or doctor. Not a treatment protocol.
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