Winter means extra family time due to the festive holidays, snow days from work and home, and for other occasions! However, the wintertime may also mean that your chance of getting sick from a common cold increases. This is because public experts have found that as more people spend time indoors during colder seasons it can lead to the spread of illnesses.

The common cold affects people roughly 2-3 times each year, so it’s important to be prepared. Parents and other members of the family can ensure that they are protected and safe from common colds by follow these tips and by getting cold treatment at AFC Urgent Care Methuen!

What exactly is a common cold?

The common cold is a rhinovirus that spreads quickly and easily from one person to the next through the nose and other forms of transmission. The virus attacks your immune system causing many unpleasant symptoms including:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Fatigue 
• Cough
• Sore throat 

Currently, a vaccine is not available for the common cold. But cold prevention is fairly straightforward. Patients that practice good hand washing and good hygiene are able to reduce their risk. Cold symptoms typically last 3-5 days.

Is there a way to treat common colds at home?

You can treat most of your cold symptoms right from the comfort of your own home! First, remember the importance of hydration. Even if you don’t feel like eating much, be sure to drink plenty of water and enjoy clear liquids like chicken broth.

Try to get as much rest as possible. It can be annoying to take time away from your life to rest, but it will ultimately help you heal quicker. You can manage your other cold symptoms with over the counter medications designed to target congestion, runny nose, cough, and sore muscles. Keeping the air around you moist with a humidifier will also help keep your cough and congestion at bay. 

Can I Get Treatment at an Urgent Care? 

Yes, you can get treatment at an urgent care! There is no cure for the common cold, but an urgent care can help to manage your symptoms if home remedies aren’t cutting it. The common cold can cause other issues such as sinus infections or ear infections too, which will need prescription antibiotics from an urgent care health provider.

Try to treat your symptoms at home and let the cold run its course first. If symptoms continue to get worse or don’t show any signs of improvement, it’s time to visit the urgent care. 

Our urgent care facility is staffed with cold treatment experts who are ready to make you feel better however we can! Walk-in any time to receive quick and affordable treatment by an experienced physician. We also offer seasonal flu shots for free with most major insurance companies. Even if you don’t have a cold, come in and get vaccinated before you end up with something even worse!