PATIENT INFORMATION
Cold, cough or fever before surgery
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.