Colds are relatively common illnesses during the fall, winter, and even early spring. Although their symptoms tend to be mild in nature, they still can cause discomfort. Learn how to relieve cold symptoms and when to seek a medical diagnosis. Walk into AFC Urgent Care Thornton for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment.
Causes and Symptoms of a Cold
A cold is a nickname for a mild viral infection. There are hundreds of different viruses that can cause a cold, however, Rhinoviruses are the most common type of viral infection that causes a cold. Due to their mild nature, it is likely that you will never know the exact virus that caused your cold because diagnostic testing is rarely necessary for cold symptoms.
Although colds are mild in nature, they can cause a variety of symptoms which can cause discomfort that lasts multiple weeks. Cold symptoms often are similar to the early symptoms of many more serious illnesses, such as the flu. It is important to know the expected symptoms and monitor their severity to know when you should seek a medical diagnosis to ensure you’re not suffering from a more severe illness.
Common cold symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Itchy or watering eyes
- Sore throat
Are Colds Contagious?
Viral infections, such as a cold, are very contagious by nature. They are easily spread from one person to another through direct contact, touching the same object, or breathing the same air as an infected person. Sneezing, coughing and even talking can release droplets into the air which can spread illness.
If you suspect you may have a cold, it is best to self-isolate while you have symptoms to avoid spreading your illness to others. Unfortunately, during peak cold season, we often spend most of our time indoors which promotes the spread of viral infections. Colds usually last 1-2 weeks, and you are contagious during the entire time that you have symptoms.
Treatment Options for Cold Symptoms at Urgent Care
Unfortunately, because colds are caused by viral infections, there is little medical intervention that can help treat a cold. Your body will fight off the infection on its own within two weeks. If your symptoms are severe, continue to get worse, or are accompanied by a fever, you should seek medical care. Oftentimes, severe illness symptoms look similar to the symptoms of a cold in the first few days.
Prevention is often the best medicine when it comes to treating a cold. Washing your hands regularly can kill off any viruses that you may have been exposed to. If you are out and about with no access to a sink, using hand sanitizer is a great alternative. Sanitizing your space regularly also can help keep germs from spreading. Overall, ensuring that you are getting adequate sleep, are well hydrated, and are avoiding people who may be sick can help you prepare for a healthy winter cold season.
Get Walk-In Illness Diagnosis & Treatment by Visiting AFC Urgent Care Thornton
If you’re experiencing mild illness symptoms, you may be suffering from a cold. However, severe illness symptoms often mimic cold symptoms in the early stages, making it important to understand when to seek medical care. At AFC Urgent Care Thornton, our walk-in clinic is equipped with an on-site laboratory that allows our medical providers to perform same-day diagnostic testing.
The walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Thornton is open seven days a week for illness diagnosis and treatment. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable treatment options. If you’re feeling under the weather, simply walk into AFC Urgent Care Thornton today or reserve your spot online. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly by calling (720) 751-2910.
