When Should I Go to Urgent Care with a Cold?

September 30, 2020

Everyone hates getting sick, but unfortunately, everyone becomes sick at some point. One sickness that is the trickiest to avoid, and the most common, is a cold. The common cold is not usually a big deal. They do not always require a trip to the doctor or urgent care. For the most part, people tend to be able to simply wait it out for a few days or a week, being sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.  This is not always the case. How do you know when your cold is worse than just the common cold?

A cold that is more severe can make you feel weak, dizzy, and even worse. However, it can be difficult to know what to go to urgent care for. Here are some circumstances when you should go to urgent care for your cold symptoms. 

If your cold has not gone away

Even without medication, a cold generally runs its course within 14 days. If you do not feel a significant improvement within this time, you should visit AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook. 

If you are experiencing chest pain or trouble breathing 

You should not be feeling shortness of breath or any chest pain from a cold. Even though a severe cold or the flu may result in body aches if you are having trouble breathing it could be a sign of a larger health issue. This could indicate something such as heart disease or pneumonia. If you cannot breathe properly, visit your local clinic. Be sure to have a family member or friend go with you. 

If you are having trouble eating

It is very important to have plenty of fluids, especially while you are sick. If you are not able to keep anything down, you could get dehydrated very quickly. It could come in the form of severe diarrhea, persistent vomiting, or being unable to eat. If you do not become hydrated quickly, the symptoms can lead to possible detrimental health issues.

Vomiting frequently can also cause injury to your throat. If you notice throat pain or trouble swallowing, you should visit urgent care or a local hospital for aid. 

If you have a high or prolonged fever

Having a fever consists of your body temperature exceeding 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. A high fever is over 102 degrees. It is a sign that your body is trying to fight a serious infection if the fever persists. 

You should just go

There is never a wrong time to visit urgent care if you are fearful that your cold symptoms are out of the ordinary. There is not a wrong answer to “what to go to urgent care for.” A child typically catches between six and ten colds a year while growing up. You should not hesitate to visit urgent care for emergency services when you feel it is needed. 

 Walk-In Cold & Flu Treatment in Bound Brook, NJ

Having a cold is common, but make sure to be on the lookout for symptoms that the cold may be more severe. You should visit AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook for cold treatment seven days a week. For more information, please call 732-469-3627.

Blog Categories

Recent Blogs

About Our Services:

Call (732) 469-3627 for more information about our Bound Brook urgent care services.