Struggling with the common cold is something that just about everyone will experience at some point. Yearly bouts with a cold are highly likely, as most people get at least one every 12 months. It is extremely contagious and caused by one of three viruses through close contact. Some people have mild symptoms, but that does not mean you cannot get seriously ill. The symptoms can hang around for quite some time.
People will start seeing and feeling cold symptoms within two or three days of exposure. The symptoms can range from minor to severe. This will depend on the person’s age and whether the individual has other underlying health issues. It is helpful to understand the symptoms to know what to look out for.
Most people will battle a stuffy or runny nose while having a cold. A sore throat will also be likely, with coughing and sneezing accompanying the sickness. High fevers are rare, but low-grade ones can occur with a cold. A person might also experience body aches or chills.
Young children age 2 and under are the most susceptible to getting colds. Babies and toddlers can get up to 10 a year and will usually have five or six. This may be because of their weaker immune systems and close contact with family members and others who want to hold them. School-age children can also get several colds a year, as schools can be breeding grounds for the common cold. Adults will get two to four colds a year, while the elderly may have one cold or no colds a year.
Every person is different, so it is difficult to say how long one individual will experience symptoms. However, most people will have the common cold for seven to 10 days. Some symptoms may go away after three or four days. Others, however, can hang around for two or three weeks. If these symptoms last for longer than this, a visit to a nearby urgent care center is necessary.
There are steps a person can take to minimize the longevity of the common cold. Once symptoms appear, the person should start drinking a lot of fluids. Staying hydrated is critical to battling a cold. Adequate rest is also crucial. While battling a cold, the individual should avoid physical exertion as much as possible.
Also, the sick patient should avoid going out in crowds. This is important in family settings and at places such as work, school, and other public areas. Over-the-counter medication can treat colds too. Decongestants and antihistamines can lessen the symptoms.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Common Cold and Flu Treatment in Fairfax, VA
If you get the common cold this year, you may think that it is not a big problem. However, the symptoms can stick around for several days and become serious. Colds can even lead to more problematic health issues. Be aware of how long the symptoms typically last. Also, make sure you take care of yourself and do your part to recover.
Request an appointment or call Millennium Medical Care at 703-372-4429 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.
You have almost certainly had the common cold before, like just about everyone else. This illness can be tiring and annoying, but it often does not require much medical attention. A cold will frequently have minor or moderate symptoms and go away on its own. However, sometimes the sickness can progress and cause other problems.…
Common cold and the flu often have similarities. The flu has more severe symptoms. Awareness of their differences can help you get earlier treatments from the local urgent care clinic. If you want to know the differences between the flu and common cold, here are the details.There are at least 200 strains of viruses. Some…
The common cold is appropriately named. This illness is perhaps the most common health problem that people experience. It will affect individuals of all ages, including babies and the oldest patients. You have almost certainly had your share of colds in the past. The good news is that there are ways to minimize your risks…
You have almost certainly had the common cold before, like just about everyone else. This illness can be tiring and annoying, but it often does not require much medical attention. A cold will frequently have minor or moderate symptoms and go away on its own. However, sometimes the sickness can progress and cause other problems.…
Fitness and nutrition are vital for supporting women's health, but many women tend to neglect themselves with their busy lives. If you need or want assistance supporting your health, a doctor can provide fitness and nutrition tips for women. With that in mind, there are four simple steps one can take to begin the path…