The weather is cooling down, school is back in session, and cold and flu season is on the horizon. With all of the different illnesses circulating during this time of year, it’s important to know what symptoms indicate what illness!

Since there are millions of cold cases every year in the United States, that is usually the most common diagnosis during this season. Get the facts about the common cold from our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team below.

Where Do Colds Come From?

When a virus settles in your nose or throat, it can manifest into the common cold! Many different coronaviruses can cause cold symptoms, so if you come down with two to three colds per year, there is a good chance that each one was caused by a different virus.

The majority of colds don’t cause severe symptoms! They typically are just a nuisance and can make you feel crummy for a few days. While a cold is considered a mild illness, you can still pass it along to someone else who may have more trouble overcoming it than you. Stay home and wash your hands often while you are symptomatic.

Symptoms Associated With Colds

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Mild headache/body aches

When Should I Seek Medical Attention for a Cold?

In most cases, a visit to a medical provider is not necessary for a cold. While your symptoms may be unpleasant, they usually are not dangerous to your health. However, if after 10 days your symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, you should come see us so we can evaluate you for a different diagnosis.

This is also recommended if you have a sick child that is younger than three months old. If your child is experiencing a fever higher than 100.4 degrees, it can indicate a more serious infection and should always be monitored. Infants and other higher risk individuals can have a harder time fighting off infections, so err on the side of caution and seek medical assistance.

Individuals at Risk of More Severe Cold Symptoms

• Infants
• Those with a weakened immune system
• Seniors
• Smokers

Feeling unwell is never fun! If you are concerned about any worsening or lingering symptoms from your recent illness, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Powdersville today.