Feeling under the weather can put a damper on your daily life. Runny noses, congestion, sore throats, and coughs can be incredibly frustrating to manage, and depending on the underlying cause, can be long-lasting without proper treatment. In most cases of mild viral infections, cold symptoms will resolve within a week. However, if your symptoms aren’t resolving in this timeframe or are continuing to get worse with time, it’s possible that the underlying cause of your symptoms is more severe than a cold and may require medical treatment.
If you’re feeling sick, seeking medical care is the most effective way to identify and treat the underlying cause of your symptoms. At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for patients of all ages. We’re able to treat many common ailments, including mild cold-like symptoms. Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot online in advance below.
Can Cold Symptoms Last for 2 Weeks?
If you’re feeling under the weather and wondering how soon your symptoms will resolve, you may not want to hear that cold symptoms can last for a couple of weeks. Viral infections that lead to cold-like symptoms cannot be treated with medications, and symptoms can last for weeks before your body is able to clear up the infection on its own.
When to Seek Medical Care for Illness Symptoms
While colds resolve on their own, not all illnesses do. It is important to monitor your symptoms and know when your symptoms require medical evaluation and treatment. Colds can cause mild to moderate symptoms. If your symptoms are severe and include a fever, a cough that produces green or discolored mucus, you likely have a bacterial infection that requires medical care. Similarly, if your symptoms don’t go away after 2 or 3 weeks, medical treatment may be necessary.
At-Home Care Tips for Getting Rid of a Cold Fast
While colds are relatively mild illnesses, their symptoms can still be unpleasant. Your immune system will clear up the infection with time. But you can utilize over-the-counter medications to manage specific symptoms if necessary. Decongestants, nasal sprays, throat lozenges, and cough suppressants can all help keep symptoms at bay while you heal.
Walk into AFC West Long Branch for Illness Symptom Treatment
Being sick can be frustrating, especially when you’re not sure how to most accurately treat your symptoms. Colds will go away on their own with time, but it is important to monitor for severe or persistent symptoms that could indicate a more serious illness. Seeking a medical diagnosis for your symptoms is the best way to accurately determine the cause of your symptoms.
At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our clinic in West Long Branch, New Jersey, makes it easy to receive prompt symptom diagnosis and treatment when it's convenient for you. Our board-certified medical providers can perform diagnostic testing services at the time of your visit, without the need to schedule your visit in advance. Simply walk in when it's convenient, we're open every day. Or, give our team a call at (732) 222-8000.
