It always feels like cold and flu season arrives quicker than we are ready for it! If you wake up one morning with a runny nose or a stuffy throat, a strain of the common cold may be to blame.

Colds are the most common cause of illness in the fall and winter seasons in the United States, so it is normal to expect about two to three colds each year as an adult. For the elderly and infants, that number may be even higher!

Want more details about the common cold? The AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Avenue team is filling you in below.

How Did I Get a Cold?

Colds come from a viral infection that settles inside your nose or throat area. As the virus grows, your nose can become stuffy or runny, you can experience a sore throat and you can just feel downright miserable! Many different kinds of coronaviruses can cause the common cold, so your case could have come from a variety of sources. In fact, more than 200 different strains are circulating at any given time in the United States.

Most colds aren’t serious, just a nuisance. They will typically begin to resolve after about a week, but it is important to refrain from interacting with others during that time period to avoid spreading it around.

Common Cold Symptoms

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Mild headache/body aches

Does My Cold Require a Medical Visit?

Not in most cases. The great majority of colds are able to be treated by OTC medication and rest. Just drink plenty of fluids and take care of yourself! However, if your symptoms worsen after 10 days or you have a high fever that won’t go away, it may be a good idea to be evaluated to rule out a different diagnosis.

If you have a sick infant, that is one of the most important exceptions. If your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 or higher, it is always recommended to take him or her in to be seen by a medical provider. Infections can be more dangerous in little ones, so it is always better to err on the side of caution.

Situations That Put You at Risk of More Colds

• Being very old or very young
• Having a weakened immune system
• Being a smoker

Feeling unwell is never fun! If you are concerned about any worsening or lingering symptoms from your recent illness, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. today.