Once October arrives, there are a number of fun events ahead, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas! Do you really want to miss out on these good times because you are stuck at home with a cold? Our team at AFC Urgent Care West Islip wants you to avoid catching a cold this season so that you can spend more time with loved ones and less time in bed with a cough and stuffy nose. What Causes You to Catch a Cold? The common cold is defined as an upper respiratory tract infection. While the common cold can be caused by a variety of different viruses, approximately 50% of colds are due to rhinoviruses. Contrary to popular belief, the common cold is not caused by cold weather. In fact, you can catch a cold during the summer months! Symptoms of a Cold

• Cough
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Slight body aches
• Mild headache
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever

How Can You Prevent Getting a Cold? When it comes to preventing cold, it starts with the immune system. By boosting your immune system, you can reduce your chances of getting sick this winter. You can jumpstart your immune system in a number of ways, such as quitting smoking, eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. It is also important this time of year to wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading germs. Treatment for a Cold

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Soothe a sore throat with lozenges.
• Sip on warm liquids like hot tea.
• Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.
• Try over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications.

Is it the common cold or the flu? Stop by AFC Urgent Care West Islip today for a medical evaluation. No appointment necessary!