Many people ignore the early signs of sickness because they fear what might happen if they visit the doctor. However, ignoring early sickness symptoms can lead to more serious health problems later. Some dangers of ignoring early sickness symptoms include:
It Could Be Something Serious
Of course, most of the time, a cold or the flu is just that—a cold or the flu. But sometimes, what starts as a simple cold can escalate into something much more serious, like pneumonia. So if your child has a fever that lasts longer than a few days, it’s time to book that doctor’s appointment. The same goes for any other concerning symptoms—don’t wait to see if they go away on their own or wait before they cough off a lung. Because by the time they do, the sickness might have progressed into something more dangerous.
Another common symptom is a toothache. People often ignore toothaches, thinking they will eventually go away independently. However, a toothache can be a sign of a serious infection, and ignoring it can lead to the need for more extensive dental work, such as a root canal. Or maybe it’s time to get dental implants due to tooth loss from an infection you ignored.
You might also experience general pain in your body that doesn’t go away after a few days. This could signify something more serious, like appendicitis or kidney stones. If the pain is severe, it’s best to go to the hospital immediately.
It Could Spread to Others in the Family
If one person in the family is sick, it’s only a matter of time before others start getting sick too. This is especially true for young children, who tend to have weaker immune systems. So if your child comes down with a cold, it’s important to keep them isolated from the rest of the family as much as possible. That means no sharing cups or utensils and regular hand-washing for everyone in the house.
If you notice that the symptoms are not improving or worsening, it’s time to seek medical attention. It is best to monitor your family’s health and observe any changes to ensure the sickness does not spread further. Take preventive measures such as:
- Washing your hands regularly and correctly
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched
It Could Lead to Missed School or Work Days
When a sickness worsens, it means more missed days of school or work, which can quickly add up. You’ll probably have to take some valuable vacation days to care for a sick family member. If the sickness is severe enough, you might have to be admitted to the hospital, leading to even more missed days.
It’s important to take sick days when you are sick and not try to power through them. Not only will this help you get better faster, but it will also prevent you from being infected. It’s not always advisable to be a hero and try to push through a sickness. It’s more important to take care of yourself to recover quickly and prevent the sickness from spreading.
As for your children missing school, let them know they can still participate in their education from home. They can do this by:
- Asking their teacher for assignments in advance
- Joining online class sessions
- Reading their textbook at home
- Researching on the internet
It is also best to give them time to rest and recover to avoid relapsing or infecting others. After all, the school can wait.
It Could Weaken Your Immune System
If you frequently ignore early sickness symptoms, you might find that your immune system starts to weaken. This is because your body constantly fights off sicknesses and never gets a chance to recover properly. In the long run, this can lead to more serious health problems, such as:
- Chronic fatigue
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of infections
- Autoimmune diseases
So if you’re constantly feeling sick, it’s important to see a doctor to find out if there’s an underlying cause. Also, remember not to take or give medication not prescribed by a healthcare professional. Taking too much medication can also weaken your immune system.
In a Nutshell
The next time your child comes home from school with a runny nose, don’t write it off as “just a cold.” There’s always a chance that it could be something more serious. And even if it’s not, ignoring early sickness symptoms can still lead to missed work or school days and make things difficult for everyone in the family. So do yourself (and your family) a favor, and don’t ignore early sickness symptoms—seek medical attention immediately if necessary. Your health (and theirs) will thank you for it!