Common Cold Specialist

What is the common cold?

The common cold is a mild illness that comes from a virus. This virus is transmitted from person to person through droplets in the air and on surfaces like doorknobs or shared objects, so it’s quite contagious. You’ve likely had the common cold at least once in your life.

Even if you feel very unwell while you have the common cold, it will most likely be gone within 7-10 days of its onset. If your symptoms are mild, you should still take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others. You might need to take a few days off work or school as you recover.

Many people mistake the common cold for the flu, but there are some key differences between the two infections. Most notably, the common cold rarely leads to additional health complications like ear infections or pneumonia.

Which symptoms are typical of the common cold?

A cold has nearly identical symptoms to the flu, so you should book an appointment with Weingrow Wellness & Medical Center if you have concerns about the way you feel. One to three days after your initial exposure to viral particles, you might experience:

• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Ear aches
• A mild headache
• Body aches
• Sneezing
• General fatigue
• A low fever
• Chills

Lots of different illnesses or behaviors can cause a runny nose. However, healthy mucus is typically clear and watery. When you have a cold, the mucus that comes out of your nose is significantly thicker and either yellow or green.

How is the common cold treated?

The team at Weingrow Wellness & Medical Center confirms your diagnosis of the common cold before making any recommendations for treatment since the symptoms can be linked to other illnesses.

To manage your cold, Weingrow Wellness & Medical Center recommends:

Home remedies

There are a few simple ways to manage cold symptoms at home, like staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and gargling salt water. None of these will cure your cold, but they’ll make your sickness easier to tolerate.

Medications

Cold medications are available without a prescription, including decongestants, antihistamines, and mild pain relievers. If you have high blood pressure, you should consult with your doctor before taking any medications for a cold.

To set up an appointment and address mild to severe symptoms of the common cold, call Weingrow Wellness & Medical Center or book an appointment online today.