A persistent cough in the middle of the summer months can leave you wondering what’s going on. Seasonal coughs can have many causes, with three common culprits being colds, allergies, and COVID-19. While all three can cause overlapping symptoms, each one requires a different approach to care and treatment. Understanding the key differences can help you decide when to rest, when to medicate, and when it’s time to get professional testing and treatment.
For same-day cough diagnosis and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale. Our medical team can evaluate your symptoms, run diagnostic testing, and plan the best treatment. Simply walk in or plan your visit in advance below!
Understanding Summer Colds
Although the common cold is more prevalent in the fall and winter, they can occur year-round, especially if you’ve been around others who are sick or your immune system is run down. Caused by a virus, a summer cold typically starts with:
- A sore throat
- Sneezing or nasal congestion
- Mild fatigue
- Cough (dry or productive)
- Possible low-grade fever
A cold-related cough usually resolves on its own within a week or two, though post-nasal drip can cause lingering throat irritation. Over-the-counter medications, rest, and fluids can help manage symptoms.
How To Identify Allergy-Related Coughs
Seasonal allergies are one of the most common reasons for a persistent summer cough. When pollen counts rise or air quality drops, your immune system may overreact to airborne allergens like grass, weeds, mold, or dust. Signs your cough may be allergy-related include:
- Itchy throat, nose, or eyes
- Sneezing
- Clear nasal discharge
- No fever or body aches
- Symptoms that worsen outdoors or in specific environments
Allergy coughs are usually dry and can be triggered by post-nasal drip. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and avoiding allergen exposure can help relieve symptoms.
Could It Be COVID-19?
COVID-19 continues to circulate, and it can still cause respiratory symptoms, even in the summer. Many current Covid variants present with cold-like symptoms, making it harder to tell them apart without a test. COVID-19 symptoms often include:
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Fever or chills
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of taste or smell
If you’ve been exposed to someone who tested positive, have multiple symptoms, or just want peace of mind, it’s a good idea to get tested at urgent care. Rapid testing options are available to help you confirm or rule out infection quickly.
When To Visit Urgent Care For Your Cough
You should consider visiting urgent care if:
- Your cough lasts longer than 10 days
- You’re unsure whether symptoms are from allergies or illness
- You develop a fever, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort
- You’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19
A medical provider can evaluate your symptoms, perform diagnostic testing, and recommend the best course of treatment– whether that means medication, rest, or further care.
Get Walk-In Cough Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale
A summer cough isn’t always straightforward– it could be a cold, allergies, or even COVID-19. Recognizing the differences in symptoms and knowing when to seek care can help you recover faster and prevent the spread of illness. If you’re feeling unsure or your cough isn’t improving, AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale is here to help with a quick evaluation, accurate testing, and personalized treatment. Don’t let a lingering cough keep you from enjoying summer– stop in and get the answers you need! Our facility accepts most health insurance plans and offers cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about cough treatment, please contact our team directly at (303) 935-1000.
