Common colds are some of the most infectious diseases known in the U.S. In fact, patients of all ages are likely to have at least one common cold which means you’ll need to manage a cold and find treatment options quickly.
In fact, the CDC explains that most people get at least one common cold each year due to the highly infectious nature of viruses that carry the disease. While most people with normal immune systems recover in just a few days (7-10), individuals with weakened immune responses may experience longer duration of the common cold.
Here are some key facts to know about common colds:
Every year, adults have an average of 2–3 colds, and children have even more.
Many viruses can cause colds, but rhinoviruses are most common. Infections spread through the air and close personal contact.
There is no cure for a cold. To feel better, you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Symptoms of a cold usually include sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and body aches.
To reduce your risk of getting a cold wash hands often with soap and water, and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Source, Centers for Disease Control
At-Home Common Cold Prevention
Thankfully, the common cold is one of the easiest diseases to prevent if you take a few precautionary steps to stave off infection. Below are just a few methods that are extremely effective in preventing a common cold infection:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to eliminate germs that spread common colds, influenza, and other diseases.
- Use hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol to help reduce contact with pathogens throughout the day.
- Disinfect public spaces like office desks as well as your household surfaces to reduce the spread of germs.
- Avoid contact with individuals that are sick or may have spread the common cold.
Urgent Care Common Cold Treatment
The good news for patients that get a common cold is that a local urgent care center such as AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch can help patients manage their cold symptoms! Our provider team can help treat symptoms that last for more than a week, or whenever you need to deal with symptoms fast!
An urgent care center allows patients to get treatment on a first-come, first-serve basis without the need for an appointment! Simply come in whenever you have symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, fever, and congestion!
