During the fall season, there tends to be an increase in illness cases. There are many different kinds of illnesses that can spread during this time. However, the common cold is one of the most common fall illnesses. Colds are incredibly contagious, making them easy to contract and spread from person to person. Usually, colds are mild illnesses that will resolve on their own. But what if your cold symptoms get worse - can a cold turn into a more serious illness like the flu? Keep reading to learn more about common fall illnesses like colds and the flu. For same-day illness treatment, walk into AFC Urgent Care Centennial. Our clinic offers prompt illness care for patients near Centennial, CO with no appointment needed.
What Causes a Cold?
If you have experienced a runny nose, a mild cough, or a sore throat - you may have experienced a cold. Colds are a nickname for a mild viral infection that impacts the respiratory system. Colds are easily spread from person to person, and we often observe an increase in cold cases during the busy back-to-school season due to this. Most of the time, colds do not require medical treatment. However, it is important to monitor your symptoms because some more severe illnesses may begin with cold-like symptoms, but worsen over time.
Similar to colds, the flu is also caused by a viral infection and is severely contagious from person to person. However, it is important to clarify that the flu is caused by the influenza virus, while colds are a general term to describe infections caused by more mild viruses. In short, a cold cannot worsen and become the flu because colds and the flu are not caused by the same kind of virus.
Understanding The Flu
Although there are hundreds of different viruses that can make you sick, the type of virus that makes you sick is what determines what illness you have. There are hundreds of different kinds of viruses that can lead to a cold. However, the flu is always caused by the same virus called the Influenza virus. You cannot have the flu unless you contract the influenza virus. Flu symptoms may start slowly and the early stages of the flu often share many symptoms with the common cold, however, a cold cannot turn into a case of the flu.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
When to Seek Medical Care for Flu Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of the flu, it is important to monitor your symptoms closely. The flu is highly contagious from person to person, so if you are experiencing symptoms you should self-isolate until you can seek diagnostic testing to confirm that you have the flu. Anyone who is at a high risk for developing severe symptoms from the flu including immunocompromised individuals, elderly people or young children, or anyone with underlying heart or lung conditions should always seek medical care if they believe they could be experiencing symptoms of the flu.
Getting your annual flu shot can help reduce the chances of developing a severe case of the flu, however, it will not completely prevent you from getting the flu. Flu symptoms can start as mild symptoms that mimic a cold, but if they continue to worsen you should always seek immediate medical care for a diagnosis and treatment.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for Same-Day Illness Treatment in Centennial, CO
If you’re feeling under the weather and experience severe illness symptoms that align with the flu, you should seek immediate medical care. Medical proffessionals can diagnose your symptoms to ensure that you can treat your illness properly and prevent it from spreading to others. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, our dedicated medical providers are board-certified and able to provide a prompt medical diganosis for symptoms of the flu. Our clinic accepts walk-in patients 7 days a week, so that you can get the care that you need when you need it most. We maintain short wait times and accept most medical insurance plans. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you!
