Colds are extremely common. We tend to see a significant increase in cases once the weather cools down and the kids go back to school. Colds are super-contagious viral infections, and they can spread very quickly in indoor spaces by lingering on surfaces and in the air. Symptoms associated with colds are typically pretty mild, however, can include symptoms like fatigue, congestion, and a sore throat. Keep reading to learn more about common symptoms associated with the common cold and treatment options.
If you’re feeling sick, AFC Urgent Care Edgewater is here to help. Cold symptoms can be difficult to diagnose. Visit our clinic for same-day symptom diagnosis and treatment! We’re open every day, including on weekends. Simply walk into the clinic for rapid same-day care, or save your spot online in advance using the button below.
Why Do Colds Make Us Tired?
Viral infections like colds primarily affect the upper respiratory system. This includes the lungs, sinuses and airway. Colds can cause a wide variety of different symptoms, however, a very common symptom is feeling fatigued. This is very normal, and is caused by your immune system working overtime to fight off the infection. Although your immune system can take care of most viral infections on its own, it will require extra effort, which can cause you to feel fatigued.
Common Cold Symptoms
Colds are viral infections that affect your respiratory system. In most cases, cold symptoms are mild and clear up after about a week. Common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
Treatment Options for a Cold
Viral infections cannot be treated with medications. Instead, treatment for colds focuses on symptom management. There are many different medications available OTC for symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throats, and coughs. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, are getting worse over time, or are severe, you may need medical care. Many different illnesses can be confused with a cold, so seeking medical care for a medical diagnosis is the best way to understand the exact cause of your symptoms.
Walk Into AFC Edgewater for Same-Day Illness Treatment
If you’re feeling under the weather, receiving prompt medical care is key. While feeling fatigued while your body battles a cold is normal, you should monitor for severe symptoms. Your medical provider will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms so that you can treat them effectively.
At AFC Urgent Care Edgewater, our walk-in urgent care clinic in Edgewater, Maryland, offers rapid illness symptom diagnosis and treatment. We never require patients to schedule an appointment in advance. Just walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for rapid care. We work with most medical insurance plans, and we have affordable care for self-paying patients. To learn more, give our clinic a call at (410) 956-3394.
