What is a cold?
A cold is an extremely common and short-lived viral illness, and you’ve probably had at least a few of them in your life. The illness is mild and manageable, but it’s highly contagious, and odds are you get more than one cold per year.
Both children and adults are susceptible to catching colds, especially between the months of September and May, when people are inside more often due to colder weather. There are over 200 different viruses that cause colds, and they tend to gather on surfaces and can spread through touch or inhalation.
Sometimes, the viruses that cause colds leave you more susceptible to other illnesses like sinus infections, ear infections, and bronchitis.
If your cold symptoms don’t go away in a few days or weeks, or if they worsen and evolve, you should let your provider at Redwood Family Health Center know.
How can I tell if I have a cold?
Cold symptoms are widely known and easy to recognize. However, they’re extremely similar to symptoms of influenza (the flu). Flu symptoms tend to appear more abruptly and often include fever, aches, and chills, which are rare with a cold.
You should consider booking an appointment at Redwood Family Health Center if you experience cold symptoms like:
- A runny nose
- Sinus congestion
- Coughing
- A sore throat
- Sneezing
- Mild body aches
Children and people who smoke tend to get more severe symptoms, with children being the most likely to get a fever with a cold. If you’re uncertain whether you have a cold or the flu, we can administer a test within the first few days of your illness that tells you if you have the flu.
How are colds treated?
Colds go away on their own, and there is no cure to make them go away faster. However, plenty of treatments and strategies can relieve some of your symptoms to make the cold more manageable.
Recommended remedies for cold symptoms include:
- Antihistamines and nasal decongestants
- Getting adequate fluids
- Over-the-counter pain relievers for aches and pains
- A room humidifier
- Saline nasal drops
- Rest
- Vitamins and supplements (e.g., vitamin C, zinc)
Even if you feel well enough to go to work or school, you should try to stay home and rest if possible. Regardless of your energy level, staying home while you have cold symptoms can stop the spread of the illness to your friends, classmates, and co-workers.
If you or a loved one have persistent cold symptoms and are struggling to find relief, call Redwood Family Health Center for a sick visit or reserve an appointment online today.
