During the summertime, the last thing on your mind might be whether you have a cold. However, summertime colds can happen. Colds share symptoms with many other conditions, including seasonal allergies and COVID-19. It is important to know the difference between these conditions so that you know how to best treat your symptoms and when to self-isolate. This article will discuss some of the common summertime symptoms of COVID-19.
At AFC Southcenter, our walk-in clinic is available to provide same-day illness symptom diagnosis and treatment Mondays through Saturdays. We don’t require patients to schedule an appointment; just walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for rapid care or schedule an appointment online in advance below.
Can You Actually Get a Cold In the Summer?
While cold and flu season may peak in the fall, colds can circulate during any time of the year, including the summer. That is because colds, much like other illnesses such as COVID-19, are viral. Viruses are easily spread from person to person through direct contact, touching the same surface as someone who is sick, or through airborne particles. In the wintertime, viral infections spread more easily between people because we spend more time indoors in close proximity with others. However, you can still get sick from a virus in the summer.
It can be tricky to tell viral infection symptoms from symptoms of seasonal allergies in the summer and spring. If you’re feeling sick, it’s best to seek medical care to determine the underlying cause so you can treat it effectively.
Understanding the Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 is a common viral infection that can spread easily from person to person. Similar to a cold, COVID-19 causes a variety of symptoms that affect the sinuses and upper respiratory system. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, severe congestion, runny nose, and sometimes a fever. These symptoms can easily be confused with a common cold or seasonal allergies, so seeking medical care can help you identify the true underlying cause of your symptoms.
Treatment options for viral infections like COVID-19 usually include at-home care with over-the-counter medications. There are many different medications available to treat general cold symptoms, as well as target specific symptoms like congestion or coughs. If your symptoms continue to worsen after a week, you should seek medical care for treatment.
When to Seek Medical Care for Illness Symptoms
If you’re feeling sick, seeking medical care is the best way to ensure you’re treating the underlying cause of your symptoms correctly. COVID-19 brings risks to individuals with underlying health conditions, so you should seek medical care if you think you have COVID-19 and have an underlying health condition. If your symptoms persist longer than a week, or continue to worsen over time, always consult a medical provider for proper diagnosis. Your medical provider will be able to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and provide the most accurate and effective course of treatment.
Visit AFC Southcenter for Same-Day Illness Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment
Illnesses can be difficult to diagnose in the summer and spring seasons. Symptoms of common viral infections like COVID-19 can mimic many symptoms of seasonal allergies; however, the course of treatment for the two conditions are completely different. Because of this, it’s best to seek medical care for a diagnosis if you’re feeling sick. At AFC Southcenter, our walk-in clinic is available Monday through Saturday to provide same-day care on a walk-in basis for patients near Kent, WA.
Our walk-in clinic has short wait times so that you can receive the care that you need when it’s convenient for your schedule. We work with most medical insurance plans, and offer competitive rates for self-paying patients. Our board-certified medical providers are trained to expertly diagnose your symptoms so that you can get on the road to recovery. To learn more or to speak with a member of our team, give us a call at (425) 291-3300.
