Old man winter might be moving into town, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily will be stuck at home with a cold because of it.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Portland wants you to know what can bring about the common cold, as well as ways to treat the cold virus as quickly as possible so that you can enjoy your holiday with family!

What Causes a Common Cold?

A common cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. There are many different viruses that can cause a person to catch a cold.

Colds are more common during the fall and winter when we’re in close quarters with other people indoors. However, the cold weather cannot cause a cold—a virus must be involved.

Symptoms of a Cold

• Runny

• Stuffy nose

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Congestion

• Slight body aches

• Headache

• Sneezing

• Low-grade fever

Is a Cold Contagious?

The common cold is very contagious. In fact, a person can be contagious with a cold a day before symptoms even begin to appear and he or she can remain contagious for about five to seven days.

Therefore, it is extremely important this time of year to wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and/or cough.

Ways to Treat a Cold

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Soothe a sore throat with lozenges.

• Combat stuffiness and other symptoms with over the counter meds.

• Sip warm liquids.

• Utilize a humidifier.

Is it a cold or the flu? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Portland today. No appointment is needed.