When a Viral Illness Becomes an Emergency Colds, flu, and other viral illnesses tend to run rampant during the winter months. Most of the time, in healthy adults, the body will knock out a viral illness after 1-2 weeks of rest and proper nutrition. However, there are a few cases of when a viral illness becomes an emergency, and you may need to seek medical care. Difficulty Breathing “One of the key things we want to see people for is if they are experiencing short...