Many different illnesses can lead to a cough. If you’re sick with a cough and are wondering why your cough seems to be lasting longer than your other symptoms, you’re not alone. Lingering coughs can be frustrating and can last up to 8 weeks with no additional symptoms. In most cases, long-lasting coughs that linger after all other illness symptoms have passed are not contagious. If you’re experiencing a lingering cough that you can’t shake, visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham! Our walk-in clinic makes it easy to get same-day symptom diagnosis and treatment for common conditions including coughs. Simply walk into the clinic, we’re open 7 days a week.
How Long Does a Cough Usually Last?
Having a cough can be a symptom of many different illnesses. Most commonly, coughs occur as the result of a viral infection like a cold. In more severe cases, coughs may be caused by infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis. The duration of a cough will vary based on the underlying cause. More mild conditions typically will resolve within a week, however, it is not uncommon for a cough associated with a cold to linger longer than other symptoms.
How to Tell if a Cough is Contagious
Coughing, sneezing, and direct contact can all cause illnesses to spread. This is because coughing can spread droplets of contaminated saliva to others. It is always a good idea to cover your nose and mouth when you cough to avoid potentially spreading your infection to others. However, if your cough is mild and is your only symptom, it is unlikely to be contagious. Coughs can linger without being contagious for up to 2 weeks after other illness symptoms have disappeared.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you have a cough, medical care may not always be necessary. Sometimes, a cough will resolve on its own with time and proper at-home care. However, if your cough produces discolored mucus, causes chest pain or wheezing, or is accompanied by a fever - you should seek medical care. These symptoms may indicate an infection that requires medical treatment. Similarly, if your cough does not seem to be improving, or continues to worsen after 2 weeks, you may need further treatment.
Walk Into AFC Stoneham for Same-Day Cough Treatment in Stoneham, MA
Coughs can linger for weeks. If you’re experiencing a cough that has lasted over two weeks, or is accompanied by severe symptoms, AFC Urgent Care Stoneham can help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic provides same-day care for cold and flu symptoms and lingering coughs. We make it easy for you to get that care that you need when it’s convenient for you by never requiring you to schedule an appointment - simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you! We work with most medical insurance providers and provide competitive rates for our care. Walk into the clinic today!
