How do you help people with a cold?

[Singh]

Hello,

How do you react when lay people ask you about a simple illness, f.ex. a cold. What is your approach? Do you shake them off and advice them to seek a physician, or do you try to help?

I had one of these experiences earlier today with my best friend's mother who had been ill for some three weeks.
PS. I haven't had microbiology yet, perhaps that helps? ;-)

Any advice is appreciated.

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[Stinger86]

Well since a cold is often caused by a virus for which there is no "cure", the condition is more of a nuisance than a debilitation. Buy some Vicks, drink some hot tea (not coffee), stop eating ice cream and cake, take some hot showers, and have some sex (raises core body temperature). Take your pick.

 

[Freeeedom!]

Anyone ill for 3 weeks should seek the advice of a physician. I know it is difficult as medical students, you are in a position of "power" with relatives (and no one else), but avoiding advice until your clinical years is usually the best mode of action or inaction.

love ya