While you can treat the majority of cold viruses at home, there are some situations where you should visit an urgent health care. But at what stage should you visit urgent care?
You should visit your doctor if your cold has been going on for 10 days and you are still not feeling better. If a cold lasts longer than seven to ten days, it may be a bacterial infection and necessitate taking antibiotics.
You should see a doctor right away if you experience breathing difficulties, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. See your urgent health care if, after 10 days, you still experience any of the following symptoms:
- Chills
- Fever
- Stressful cough (meaning you cough up phlegm)
- yellow phlegm
- “Viruses are the primary cause of most upper respiratory infections. But if someone is experiencing difficulty breathing or pain when they inhale, we might advise getting a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia.
Can a cold turn into a more dangerous condition?
A cold may begin as a viral infection and then progress to a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract, known as a “superimposed infection.” This can result in pneumonia or sinus infections, both of which need antibiotic treatment.
Babies, elderly people, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, as well as those who are immunocompromised from illness or medication, are more vulnerable to cold-related complications.
Home remedies for a cold
If you have a cold and don’t have any severe symptoms, like wheezing, chest pain, or shortness of breath, we advise trying home remedies for the first seven to ten days. She recommends over-the-counter remedies such as:
Suppression of cough. Cough drops and over-the-counter cough medicine can help with persistent coughing.
rinse with salt. She explains, “A saline rinse will clean the nasal passages and throat. A saline rinse can shorten the duration of a sinus infection, according to studies.
reduces fever. If you have a fever, an over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol can help. Additionally, you can strengthen your immune system and reduce symptoms by doing the following:
Take vitamin C . When you have a cold, vitamin C can help you feel dryer, according to her.
Get lots of sleep. Your immune system will be strengthened if you take a nap at home. When your body is weak, fighting an illness is more difficult.
Remain hydrated. If you don’t feel like eating much, she advises, try drinking lots of fluids or eating soup if it makes you feel better.
Avoid exposing others to a cold: By following these advices, you can prevent spreading your cold to others:
kindly sneeze or cough. Instead of onto your hands, cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your arm.
Be at home. Wait until you feel better before going to work or going out in public. The first week that you experience symptoms, you are infectious.
clean your hands. Cleaning your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer is advised after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
You can always visit Instant Urgent Care for a premium healthcare experience by our expert medical practitioners. We provide services from general check-ups to nutritional counseling, from health screenings to prevention to occupational hazards. Walk-in, call or book an online appointment to get better with ease.