Not sure whether to see the doctor

[ClarkWGriswold]

I've had a bad cold for 2 weeks, it's really knocked me for six and I'm still feeling unwell. I've had a sore throat (which has mostly gone now) and am still running a temperature and feeling nauseous sporadically. Most alarmingly though is that I seem to have completely lost my sense of smell and taste.

Does this warrant a trip to the doctor or would I be wasting their time?

I wouldn't just yet. It just sounds like a really bad cold, which they can't really do anything about. I think loss of taste/smell is common with the congestion that comes with a cold. I'd give it another week and see how you're feeling.

Actually, I think you should see a doctor immediately. Losing your sense of smell and taste can be quite serious, and you may need a course of antibiotics. If left untreated, the loss of smell and taste can become permanent. This happened to my mother.

I lose my sense of taste and smell whenever I get a bad cold. Extremely annoying. But I wouldn't go to the drs just yet, just sounds like a bad cold.

What you could do now is book a routine appointment with a GP - if it has cleared up before the appointment cancel it. If not, definitely see the GP.

I lost my sense of smell from 'just having a bad cold' perhaps it wouldn't have happened if I had gone to the Drs. It's annoying, inconvenient and quite dangerous (had a gas leak but I couldn't smell it!) so don't risk it go get some antibiotics.

so don't risk it go get some antibiotics

And these will help with her cold virus how?!

Justmum, because it may NOT be just a virus. She could have infection.

Make an appointment. Let the doctor decide. Even being told it's ok if nothing else will make you feel better.

I would see the gp. If you have an infection somewhere you'll need antibiotics and the sooner you start them the better.

Lose of sense of smell can sometimes be caused by zinc deficiency, you can take zinc as a supplement.

Thanks everyone. I will book an appointment

If it's just a cold the doctor will do nothing! Because they can't.

If you have symptoms of a chest infection, sinusitis, tonsillitis then antibiotics are helpful. I'd leave it for a bit longer. Drink lots of hot drinks, take your meds when due to control your symptoms.

Consider steaming twice a day to help shift it. Eat good fresh foods. Take warm baths and rest as much as you can. Early beds etc.

There are some awful viruses around at the moment.