Have you ever experienced the sniffles one day and felt better the next? Only to then have a runny nose again a day later? It’s a familiar scenario for many people during cold and flu season. The unpredictability of cold symptoms can leave us wondering if these symptoms can come and go– and the short answer is yes. Cold symptoms often don’t follow a linear pattern. They can fluctuate in intensity and even disappear for a while before striking again. In this blog, we’ll explore why this happens.
For same-day cold and flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our team of board-certified medical providers can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose the underlying cause, and plan the best path to treatment. Simply walk-in or check-in online today!
Common Cold: Causes and Symptoms
Colds are primarily caused by viruses, with the rhinovirus being the most common culprit. Viruses typically don’t follow a pattern. They can replicate and spread in their own way. As a result, the symptoms can vary widely in their severity and duration.
Common cold symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Mild body aches
- Fatigue
Phases of a Cold
1. Onset: When a cold virus first enters your system, you might not feel immediate symptoms. The virus takes time to multiply and trigger your body’s immune response, which in turn can cause a delay for any noticeable symptoms to appear.
2. Initial Symptoms: As the virus replicates and your immune system begins to fight the infection, you’re likely to experience symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and congestion.
3. Peak Symptoms: The intensity of cold symptoms can fluctuate. For some, they might peak a few days into the course of illness. This is when you generally feel the illness as its most severe– fatigue, congestion, and overall discomfort at their highest.
4. Recovery: After a few days, your immune system is able to fight off the virus and it gradually diminishes. This is when your symptoms will fade and you’re almost back to normal.
5. Recurrence: Even after recovery, it’s not uncommon for cold symptoms to return in a more mild state than before. This can occur as the virus continues to be fought off by your immune system or when secondary infections develop.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most colds resolve on their own within a week or two. While you can’t completely prevent the fluctuation of symptoms, there are steps you can take to alleviate any discomfort and help promote a speedy recovery. Be sure to focus on rest, hydration, nutrition, and use over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms. If symptoms persist, worsen, or if you have an underlying health condition, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, if you experience any breathing difficulties, a high fever, severe sore throat, or any other severe symptoms, seek medical attention.
Get Symptom Relief at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth
Are you suffering from illness symptoms? Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth for a same-day diagnosis and treatment plan, so you can feel better fast. Common cold symptoms can be managed effectively with the proper care. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week, including weekends, and provides urgent care to patients of all ages in the Elizabeth, NJ area. Simply walk-in! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about common cold symptoms or treatment, please contact us directly at (908) 677-5900.
