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# Cold, cough or fever before surgery
- URL: https://www.preanaesthesia.com/cold-cough-or-fever-before-surgery/
- Published: 2026-09-13T04:47:44.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-13T04:47:44.000Z
- Description: A mild cold does not automatically mean an operation must be cancelled, but a recent respiratory infection can matter - especially in children, people with asthma or lung disease, and patients having airway or major surgery. Contact the hospital if y
- Author: preetam satish
- Tags: Health Conditions, #Import 2026-09-12 18:04

A mild cold does not automatically mean an operation must be cancelled, but a recent respiratory infection can matter - especially in children, people with asthma or lung disease, and patients having airway or major surgery.

Contact the hospital if you develop fever, significant cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, a chest infection, vomiting or diarrhoea in the days before surgery. The team can decide whether it is safer to proceed or postpone based on your symptoms and the planned procedure.

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