Self-Care / Cold
Center
Self-Care / Cold Center
This is a copy of sheet used by the Etter Heath Center: Self-Care Cold Center. It is for information only -- you should go to Etter to perform this self diagnostic care and utilize the professional 24/7 care available from the staff.
Step 1. Place the electronic thermometer under your tongue. While waiting 30 seconds for the thermometer to register, answer te following questions.
Part A: Check the symptoms that you have:
 General body aches |
Sore throat |
| Chills, fever |
Difficulty swallowing |
| Cough w/ mucous |
Watery eyes |
| Sneezing |
Headaches |
| Stufed-up nose |
Runny nose |
| Dry, hacky cough |
Ears feel clogged |
| If you have a cough bringing up mucous, what color is the mucous?_______ | |
Part B: Sometimes what seems like a cold might be a more serious problem. Please answer (Y)es or (N)o to the following questions -- they will help determine if you need additional professional care.
| Temperature over 100 degF |
Difficulty swallowing liquids |
| Earache |
Persistent vomiting |
| Sinus / facial pain |
Deep cough w/ thick mucous |
| Chest pain |
Wheezing |
| Severe pain anywhere |
Difficulty getting air in lungs |
| Do you smoke |
Had symptoms > 2 weeks |
| Swollen glands on neck >7 days |
History of asthma |
| History of allergies |
History of Rheumatic fever |
If you answer (Y)es to any of these questions in Part B., please see the nurse. If you answer (N)o to all of the questions, then proceed to Step 3 (below). You may also see the nurse if you wish (or have questions).
If 30 seconds have elapsed, remove the thermometer, read and record it: _______. If it is above 101 degF -- SEE THE NURSE!
Step 2. Examine your throat using the mirror on the table. Do your tonsils appear red and swollen, or have white spots on them? If yes -- SEE THE NURSE. If not, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3. If you have answered NO to all of the questions above, then you can safely use the medication chosen from the list below:
| Self-prescribed medicine | Reduces these symptoms | Possible side effects |
| Sudafed (Decongestant) | Nasal congestion | Restlessness or sleeplessness |
| Actifed (Antihistimine + decongestant) | Dries watery secretions | Drowsiness or sleepiness |
| Aspirin | Fever & body aches | Stomach irritation |
| Tylenol | Fever & body aches | none |
| Robitussin DM Cough Syrup | Suppresses coughs | none |
| Guiacolate Cough Syrup | Loosens secretions | none |
| Salt water gargles | Soothes & cleanses throat | none |
| Throat lozenges | Soothes throat | none |
To feel B-Etter soon, the above medications work best when combined with plenty of rest, liquids (2 liters daily) -- and a nutitious diet.
