Hmm. And this is why health reform is needed...

Docs get paid in accordance with the number of (unnecessary) tests they order...

Cold / flu really does suck, though. Hang in there. Lots of fluids (to help your body flush toxins out) and rest. If your cough is productive then it will probably speed your recovery to loosen it by keeping yourself hydrated and not suppress it with cough syrup.

> Did he assume I have an infection because of my high fever?

It seems as though he did. Shame on him.

Patient satisfaction is highest when they are given prescriptions for things like cough syrup with codine (doc seems to be taking pain seriously) and antibiotics (there really is something wrong with me). Unfortunately, antibiotics only shorten the life of a bacterial cold by an average of 2 days (and often result in yeast infections which in turn need to be treated) and there is much evidence to show that overprescription of antibiotics (for bacterial colds and viruses) is what results in superbugs developing that are resistent / immune to antibiotics.

But still... Your doc won't get sued if you get worse, I suppose. Good for him.