Common cold
A common cold usually causes congestion, sore throat, cough and fatigue and is generally viral. An English-speaking doctor can review what is happening, explain safe next steps and tell you when a physical examination or test is necessary.
What the doctor will review
The doctor reviews temperature, breathing, chest pain, cough duration, sputum, medical history and any home test results.
Online care is suitable only when the clinician can make a safe decision without a physical examination. A prescription is issued only when clinically appropriate and is never guaranteed.
When to seek urgent or in-person care
Call 112 for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion, collapse or crushing chest pain. Persistent shortness of breath needs in-person assessment.
If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, do not wait for an online appointment. Call 112 for a life-threatening emergency.
Related symptoms and conditions
Start with the symptom you recognise. The doctor can consider possible diagnoses and whether testing or examination is needed.
Medicines often discussed
These links are patient information, not treatment recommendations. The correct option depends on diagnosis, allergies, interactions and examination findings.
How an online consultation works
- Book a telephone or secure Google Meet appointment.
- Explain your symptoms, history, medicines and allergies.
- The doctor provides a treatment plan and e-prescription when appropriate.
- Use the prescription at a Spanish pharmacy or follow the in-person care advice.
Common questions
Can common cold be assessed online?
Often an initial assessment is possible, but the doctor may recommend examination, testing or urgent local care if a safe remote decision cannot be made.
Can I receive antibiotics?
Only if the clinician considers a bacterial infection likely and remote prescribing is safe. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.
Will I receive a prescription?
A Spanish REMP e-prescription may be issued when clinically appropriate. Prescribing is not automatic.
What should I prepare?
Have your medicine list, allergies, relevant readings, photographs and previous reports available.