Colds, according to an urgent care doctor, are caused by up to 200 different strains of the virus. Common cold lives up to its name – it is common and downright annoying. Although it is good to take prevention precautions such as washing your hands regularly and taking healthy diets, you can also stop cold in its track before it goes out of hand and requires urgent care.
If you can sense the sniffles coming your way, these are ways to stop the cold before it starts.
A strong immune system is the most effective defense against cold. Your body fights invaders better when you get enough rest and sleep. Once you start noticing the outset of cold, get into bed and rest your body for as long as possible. You can also try elevating your head slightly while sleeping to stop nasal congestion.
Water is essential for life. Every vital organ in your body relies on water to function correctly, and your water usage will increase when your body is combating illness. You can support your system to fight against the cold by increasing your water intake.
Aside from staying hydrated, you should ensure the air you are breathing is not dry. During recovery, you will sneeze, sweat and blow your nose. As your body dries, you may feel a level of discomfort on your skin and nasal passages. You should get a humidifier to ease such issues.
If the cold virus has invaded your body, you can combat its presence with a strong, vitamin-rich immune system. Nutritious meals will give your body the strength it needs to resist the invaders if you are feeling sick. Examples of such energy-boosting meals include vitamin C usually found in citrus and other fruits.
If you cannot fight a cold, your symptoms will improve in about five to seven days. You can get over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants. Pain medications such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen can help with the aches and pains.
Stress and anxiety worsen a cold because they put the extra burden on your blood pressure, heart rate and vitals. A minor cold can quickly get you down if you yield to stress on high alert. As much as possible, take things easy and avoid stressful environments.
The common cold will only plague your body for a few days. But, it can weaken your immunity and expose you to complications such as ear infections, bronchitis and sinus infections. If you have dealt with these problems in the past or if the cold persists for more than a few days, you may want to consult an urgent care doctor about preventing and treating the additional infections.
Colds may indeed be annoying, but taking urgent care measures will give your body a fighting chance to prevent the condition. The key to fighting the common cold is to put your body in the healthiest and optimal conditions for the battle.
Call us today at (703) 673-1558 for more information from Millennium Medical Care Manassas.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Urgent Care in Manassas, VA.
The flu shot is an effective, easy way to prevent the seasonal flu. For maximum protection, urgent care and primary care providers recommend these vaccinations before flu season starts in October. Many patients are unaware of how impactful this vaccine can be, which is why learning about its benefits is an excellent first step in…
A multitude of conditions can warrant the need for professional pain management. While pain management can come in the form of medication or treatment, urgent care typically performs the latter. Learning the difference between short and long-term options can help you learn when to consult a doctor.Whether a patient has a chronic condition that causes…
Diabetes is a prevalent disease that negatively impacts the body's glucose levels and, in turn, organs. That is why routine diabetes check are strongly recommended by medical professionals across multiple specialties. They can not only detect diabetes but also if you are on the fast track to developing the condition.Diabetes impacts the body in more…
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health. These medical professionals ensure you remain healthy year-round by providing services to prevent many illnesses and conditions. These services do not always mean medications. In fact, the goal of any medical care provider is to keep your body healthy enough to sustain…
The flu shot is an effective, easy way to prevent the seasonal flu. For maximum protection, urgent care and primary care providers recommend these vaccinations before flu season starts in October. Many patients are unaware of how impactful this vaccine can be, which is why learning about its benefits is an excellent first step in…
A multitude of conditions can warrant the need for professional pain management. While pain management can come in the form of medication or treatment, urgent care typically performs the latter. Learning the difference between short and long-term options can help you learn when to consult a doctor.Whether a patient has a chronic condition that causes…