When to See a Doctor for the Common Cold

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. Be aware of when you should go to an urgent care center for treatment.

A summary of the common cold and what it does

Of all the illnesses possible to get, a cold is possibly the most common. One of three viruses causes colds. These are usually most prevalent during the winter and late fall. Colds can affect people of all ages, though younger people are most susceptible. Untreated, colds can develop into other conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory issues.

People catch colds through close contact with infected individuals. Common signs include a stuffy or runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. Body aches and chills can also accompany a cold. Some people get a fever and a headache too. A cold can make a person feel exhausted and unable to exert themselves physically.

Why urgent care?

Going to urgent care for the common cold can identify other problems the person is having. The team will check the patient’s vital signs and rule out conditions. After getting the diagnosis, the patient can find relief from the symptoms. Waiting to get help can lead to more severe issues.

If the fever does not go away

Usually, if a person does have a fever with the common cold, it will be on the mild side. The temperature should hover around 100 degrees. But if the fever stays at this level for more than a few days, the person should go to urgent care. Also, if the fever increases and gets above 102 or 103 degrees, it is time to seek medical help. This is a sign that the person has another infection in their body.

The cough persists

Coughing is a regular part of the common cold. It will typically hang around for several days. Coughing fits can be annoying and even start to cause pain. It should go away after seven to 10 days. But if the cough continues for two or three weeks, the person should seek treatment from urgent care. A persistent cough could mean that the cold has turned into a more serious condition.

Swallowing is painful

Not all people have a sore throat with the common cold, but this is a possible symptom. For some people, the soreness comes because of frequent coughing. If the soreness is so bad that it causes pain when swallowing, the person needs to get to urgent care. Strep throat could have set in, as well as other concerning conditions.