This winter, it’s likely you may experience some illness symptoms– from something minor like a stuffy nose to something more severe like a fever. The cold winter months generally lead to a spike in general illnesses across communities. As we spend more time indoors, in close proximity to other sick people, it’s inevitable that we might get sick.
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a head cold, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Paramus for a professional diagnosis and proper medical care. Our providers can discuss different ways to help you find symptom relief and how to best avoid getting sick in the future. Continue reading to learn about a head cold and how our urgent care center can help you.
What is a head cold?
Common colds can typically be categorized into two descriptive groups– a “head cold” and a “chest cold.” All colds are respiratory infections that are caused by a virus, so the difference lies in where the symptoms are felt most heavily. As opposed to the chest congestion associated with a chest cold, a head cold has symptoms felt in your head, like a stuffed, runny nose and watery eyes. The symptoms usually appear anywhere from 1 to 3 days after you’ve been exposed to the virus, and can leave you feeling unwell for up to 10 days.
Some of the common symptoms of a head cold include:
- Stuffy / runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Low-grade fever
- General ill feeling
- Mild body aches or headache
How can I treat a head cold at home?
A head cold can be an uncomfortable experience, but there are some steps you can take toward getting symptom relief. To rid your head cold quickly and effectively, make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is essential to your overall health, and will help to flush out the virus. If you lack fluid intake while you’re sick, you could risk dehydration and a prolonged illness period. If you find yourself feeling dehydrated even after drinking water, add some electrolytes to help replenish lost minerals. You should also get plenty of rest to help your body fight off the illness during your recovery stage.
Additionally, you can try using steam or a humidifier to help speed up your recovery time and lessen your congestion. Steam helps to loosen up mucus and reduce congestion, and a humidifier can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms.
When should I seek medical care?
Colds are usually mild illnesses that can be treated at home. However, if your symptoms worsen overtime or don’t go away after ten days, you should seek medical attention. Severe symptoms could indicate that your cold has turned into a more serious infection. Visit AFC Paramus if your fever has spiked above 101°F, if your sore throat has become severe, or if you are experiencing a lingering cough that is hard to stop. These are just a few symptoms that could indicate your cold has developed into bronchitis, a sinus infection or pneumonia. Our providers can examine your condition and help you plan proper treatment.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Paramus for Walk-in Treatment
If your cold symptoms won’t go away, visit the team of experienced medical providers at AFC Urgent Care Paramus. We can diagnose and offer treatment options seven days a week. AFC Paramus is a walk-in urgent care clinic, meaning you never have to make an appointment to be seen. We accept most major insurance carriers and offer low cost treatment for self-paying patients. For more information about treating head colds, or other urgent care services we provide, call us directly at (201) 262-2010.
