The common cold is one of the most easily spread viral infections and affects millions of people worldwide every year. A cold can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as a sore throat, runny nose, and fever. It’s important to be aware of common cold symptoms so you can take steps toward prevention or treatment if needed. Learn more about the common cold and its symptoms with Lourdes Urgent Care.
Sore Throat & Coughing
One of the first signs of a cold is usually a sore throat and coughing. This is caused by mucus draining from your nose down your throat, which can irritate the throat and cause it to become inflamed. A sore throat can also be accompanied by coughing as your body tries to expel the irritant from your airways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people recover from a cold in about 7-10 days. If your coughing persists for more than two weeks, it could be a sign that you have something more serious than just a cold. This is something to keep an eye on, and it may be a sign that it’s time to visit your local urgent care.
Runny Nose & Congestion
Additional symptoms of the common cold include runny nose and congestion. This occurs when your nasal passages are inflamed due to the virus, causing them to secrete excess mucus in an attempt to flush out any irritants. However, excess mucus can result in congestion and make breathing difficult. It can also cause your sinuses to feel stuffy and make simple daily tasks seem difficult. If you experience congestion and runny nose for more than 10 days, seek medical care for further evaluation.
Fever & Headache
Other symptoms commonly associated with having a cold are fever and headache. When your body is fighting off an infection such as the common cold, it will raise its temperature in order to help fight off the virus quicker. This increase in temperature can result in feeling hot or having chills and sweating profusely due to feverishness. Additionally, headaches are another symptom that often accompany fevers due to inflammation caused by the virus in our sinuses and other parts of our bodies. When you suffer from a fever or headache in conjunction with sore throat, coughing, runny nose, or congestion, it can be a strong indicator that your body is fighting off a viral infection. However, it’s best to get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional to be sure.
Are You Experiencing Any of These Common Cold Symptoms?
It’s important to be aware of these symptoms so you know what kind of illness you may be dealing with. However, there are other rhinoviruses and respiratory viruses with symptoms that overlap with those of the common cold. This is why it’s often beneficial to receive a diagnosis and treatment recommendations from a trained healthcare provider.
If you believe you may have a cold, or if you just aren’t feeling well, Lourdes Urgent Care is ready to help. Simply check-in at the location nearest you to get fast, affordable care. Let our healthcare professionals help you feel better, sooner.