During the winter season, it seems like everyone is coughing and sneezing. Have you ever wondered if all illnesses can spread from one person to another? It's a common question that many of us have. The quick answer is that not every illness is contagious. However, it is impossible to determine whether someone's symptoms are contagious or not without diagnostic testing. At AFC Urgent Care Cortez, we offer patients in Cortez, CO with same-day illness diagnosis and treatment services. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance, simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you!
How Are Contagious Infections Spread?
Infectious diseases are ailments usually caused by pathogens that invade the body. These include bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. Once these pathogens enter your body, they start to cause an infection which can make you feel sick.
Depending on the type of pathogen, the symptoms and severity of symptoms will vary. Contagious infections can spread through various different methods including consuming contaminated food or water, touching the same surface as someone who is sick, or breathing in airborne droplets released from an infected individual.
Illness Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment
Although not all illnesses are contagious, it is better to be safe than sorry. Taking measures to prevent the spread of infection will help keep you from contracting a contagious disease and reduce the spread of a contagious disease. This means self-isolating and seeking medical care if you’re experiencing illness symptoms to determine whether your symptoms are contagious.
For many contagious infections such as colds, symptoms are mild and can be treated at home. You should always self isolate if you’re feeling sick in the event that your symptoms are contagious. If your symptoms are severe such as having a fever that is over 104℉ or lasts more than 2 days or you’re having trouble breathing - always seek emergency medical care.
How to Protect Yourself from Getting Sick
There are a few ways that you can reduce your chances of contracting a contagious disease in your day to day life. There is no way to determine whether someone around you has a contagious disease. You can unknowingly pick up a contagious disease going about your daily routine. Sanitizing surfaces regularly in your home, washing your hands frequently and avoiding direct contact with others even if they are not showing any illness symptoms are all good ways to help protect yourself from getting sick.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Cortez for Illness Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re feeling sick, it is important to seek medical care to determine whether your symptoms are contagious or require treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Cortez, our walk-in clinic offers patients in Cortez, CO with convenient illness care available 7 days a week. We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we maintain short wait times and accept walk-in patients. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We have a lab on-site for rapid diagnostic testing services. Walk-in today, or let us know you’re coming by pre-registering online here.
