How Long Will My Cold Last?

You seem to have made it through flu season so far unscathed. But there might be another virus lurking that you were not expecting—the common cold.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Smyrna wants to offer you tips on how you can combat common cold symptoms so that you can start feeling as good as new ASAP!

How Do We Catch a Cold?

The common cold is an extremely contagious virus, and a person can spread germs a day before even experiencing any symptoms.

If a person who has the virus coughs or sneezes near you, there is a risk of the infected air droplets finding their way to you—the virus is spread through airborne droplets.

Symptoms of a Cold

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

How Do You Know When It Is More than Just a Cold?

The symptoms of a common cold, flu virus and pneumonia can start out very similar, which can make it difficult to know what condition you are experiencing. If your symptoms are mostly in your eyes, nose and throat, then you are more likely experiencing a cold.

However, if you feel as though your symptoms are more in your chest, you might need more medical attention, as it could be the flu, walking pneumonia or pneumonia. In addition, if your symptoms are severe or linger for longer than a week, seek medical attention.

Treatment of a Cold

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Soothe a sore throat with throat lozenges.
  • Combat stuffiness.
  • Relieve pain.
  • Sip warm liquids like hot tea.
  • Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.
  • Try OTC cold and cough medications.

Is it a common cold or something else? Visit AFC Urgent Care Smyrna today for a medical evaluation. No appointment is necessary!