Stopping Things From Getting Worse

Helpful for me, this time. 

If it seems to be a "normal" cold or flu I don't like to go to the doctor. She'll just tell me to get bed rest and drink plenty of fluids.

In this instance, after two weeks of coughing and mucus (too much information?)--but without a fever--I finally went to see her. She prescribed an antibiotic. After 21 days I finally feel better.

Older friends and relatives have put off seeing a doctor until their condition became much worse than it had to be. I have to face the fact that now I'm one of those older guys.

It's not about being hypochondriacal, just being realistic about my age. It's not about not being able to tough it out; it's stopping things from getting worse.