I only go if I think there's a secondary, non-viral infection. I'm not dropping a $40 copay for a pat on the head and advice to get plenty of rest.

If I have a very bad sore throat for more than a couple of days, a cough that won't go away/is getting worse, pink eye, ear ache I go.

I don't usually go in for a cold, because there's nothing they can do.

If the symptoms last longer than a week, especially if I get a fever after the onset of the cold, I go in, because it's often turned into a sinus or upper respiratory infection.

Also, if you have a really bad cough, you might go in to get prescription cough medicine, which is usually more effective (for me anyway) than OTC.

Op here, I don't have a fever, thought it was a sinus infection, but now that the kids are sick I think it must be a virus. I feel like a zombie.

Only when I think it is a sinus infection or strep. I would never go for a cold

I've never gone to the doctor for a cold. What can they even do for a cold?

I agree with a week. If not improving after a week, it's time to check in with the doctor.

Do you have a fever? If no fever, I would wait a week. If a fever, I would probably go in now.

I never know when to pull the plug and call the doctor. I am now sick since Friday and still feeling horrible. Keep thinking that I will feel better soon, and hate going to the doctor just to be told I have a cold. Now I also have the kids home sick with me to make matters worse.