Winter in Knoxville is the season of sniffles, sore throats, and lingering coughs, whether you’re catching up with friends at the Peter Kern Library or competing in a lively game of bowling at Maple Hall with family, no one has time for a cold that just won’t go away. While most colds clear up within a week or two, symptoms that just won’t resolve can be frustrating and concerning. Is it simply a stubborn seasonal cold, or could your illness be associated with a sinus infection, bronchitis, or even pneumonia? 

This blog will help you understand why winter colds can linger, what symptoms are considered normal, and when it may be time to visit an AFC urgent care center near Chapman Highway for evaluation and relief. 

Visit AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway today! 

What is the Common Cold? 

Most colds are minor illnesses caused by viruses that infect the nose and throat, the upper respiratory tract of the body, with rhinovirus being the most common cause of colds. Other causes of colds are adenoviruses, enteroviruses, RSV, and the coronavirus. The common cold usually lasts about a week, with some dragging on longer; especially in high-risk groups such as those with compromised immunity, young children, and the elderly. Adults on average pick up two to three colds per year between September to May. Children generally catch more colds than adults per year.  

How Long Does the Common Cold Last? 

Most common colds last 7 to 10 days, with symptoms peaking around days 3 or 4 before gradually improving. Typical cold symptoms include: 

• Nasal congestion or runny nose 
• Sore throat 
• Mild cough 
• Fatigue 
• Low-grade fever 

If your symptoms persist beyond 7–10 days without improvement, briefly improve and then return worse, or continue past two weeks, it may be more than a simple cold. If you’re not finding relief from your cold symptoms and haven’t improved, it may be time to consider visiting an urgent care center for professional care. For fast, convenient care, book an appointment today at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway. 

At-Home Treatments for a Cold 

To help your body recover and reduce the risk of a lingering cold turning into a more serious condition, consider these supportive care tips:  

• Make sure to rest 
• Keep hydrated 
• Use saline nasal sprays or rinses 
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, cough suppressants, or antihistamines as directed 
• Use throat lozenges or cough drops as needed, honey can also be administered by not to children under 1 
• Use a clean humidifier to keep airways moist 
• Wash hands frequently to prevent spreading illness 

When to Visit Urgent Care If Symptoms Aren’t Improving 

If your cold symptoms are lingering but not severe, urgent care is recommended when: 

• Symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement 
• Symptoms improve briefly, then return worse (called “double worsening”) 
• You develop a severe or painful cough 
• Thick, discolored mucus appears 
• Coughing becomes painful or disruptive 

These signs often point to a more serious condition such as bacterial sinus infections, bronchitis, or flu-related complications.  

Why Visit Urgent Care for a Cold? 

Urgent care centers are well-equipped to evaluate and treat lingering or worsening cold symptoms. At AFC urgent care, providers can: 

• Determine whether your illness is a cold, flu, sinus infection, or bacterial infection 
• Perform rapid flu, RSV, and Covid-19 testing as well as other diagnostic assessments 
• Prescribe antibiotics when appropriate 
• Provide stronger symptom-specific treatments 
• Help prevent complications through early intervention 

AFC urgent care is a convenient, walk-in option for patients who need prompt care without the hassle of an emergency room visit or the scheduling issues or wait times of traditional primary care. 

Signs You Should Visit Urgent Care 

While colds are usually mild, certain symptoms suggest that medical attention is warranted. You should seek urgent care if you experience: 

• Severe or Worsening Symptoms: If your congestion, sore throat, or cough intensifies instead of improving after 10 days, you may have a secondary infection like sinusitis or bronchitis. 
• High Fever: A fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit is uncommon with a cold and may indicate the flu or another serious infection. 
• Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain: Difficulty breathing or chest discomfort could signal pneumonia or another respiratory complication. 
• Persistent Cough: A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks could be a sign of post-viral bronchitis, asthma, or another underlying condition. 
• Thickened Mucus: Mucus that becomes thick, discolored, or contains ongoing or significant amounts of blood could signal a secondary infection.  
• Severe Sinus Pain or Pressure: Intense pain around your eyes, forehead, or cheeks that does not improve may indicate a bacterial sinus infection. 
• Dehydration: Symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, and reduced urination suggest dehydration which may require professional care. 

How to Prevent the Common Cold 

Fending off the common cold starts with simple, everyday habits. Small steps like proper handwashing, staying home when sick, and keeping your immune system strong can significantly reduce your risk. The following additional can help protect you and your family and keep minor illnesses from turning into bigger health concerns. 

• Cover coughs and sneezes: Use your elbow or facial tissue, not your hands 
• Avoid touching your face: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth 
• Get vaccinated: Stay current with recommended vaccines for flu, Covid-19, RSV, and Whooping Cough 
• Get tested: Test if you have symptoms to know which respiratory illness you are fighting and how best to treat it, whether it be the common cold of the flu 
• Wear masks: Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings 
• Clean surfaces: Regularly disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces 
• Improve air quality: Use air purifiers to clean the air around your home and workspaces 
• Maintain distance: Keep physical distance from others, especially those that are high-risk 

When in Doubt, Visit AFC Urgent Care 

There’s never a wrong time to visit urgent care if your cold symptoms feel out of the ordinary. If your illness is getting worse, lasting longer than expected, or interfering with daily life, urgent care providers are ready to help. 

Visit our local urgent care center for symptom relief and accurate diagnosis at AFC Urgent Care. Our experienced providers will help you recover quickly so you can get back to feeling your best.