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Should You Visit an Urgent Care if You Have a Cold?

Let’s face it, this time of year it is very common for people to come down with colds and possibly the flu. Many of those suffering will visit their doctor with fevers, nagging coughs, body aches and pains. If you are someone who thinks a cold or flu will pass and there’s is no need to see your doctor, read on! If you are uncertain, at any time, about your symptoms, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. You should be wary to believe that your cold will work its way out if it is persisting. If you are running a fever that medications are not helping, you are dizzy or dehydrated, you have a cough that won’t quit, or an endless sore throat, you’d be wise not to ignore it. Whether you have one symptom or a few, and no medication is working, you should consider visiting your doctor. If for any reason you are uncomfortable with your symptoms, you should visit your doctor or urgent care facility such as Perlman Clinic.
Perlman Clinic operates primary and urgent care centers in San Diego. Our clinics are located in Clairemont, Kensington, La Jolla, Hillcrest, Downtown La Jolla, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and Downtown San Diego. Many people will visit these offices during the winter months because they don’t have a clue what’s wrong with their bodies. Colds and other viral illnesses are common but there could be underlying circumstances. Colds usually include runny noses, sore throats, sneezing, and coughing. However there are differences between a simple runny nose and a sinus infection. If your cold includes a fever, this is less common in adults than in children. Usually, these symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

Visit an urgent care ASAP if you are experiencing a cold or the flu!

If someone is suffering from a sore throat along with a fever, swollen lymph nodes, red and/or swollen tonsils, and having problems swallowing this could be a sign of strep throat. This is a bacterial infection that is quite common in children and can be treated with antibiotics. You should go to your urgent care facility or doctor to get antibiotics and check to make sure something else is not occurring because strep throat can lead to other serious issues. In most cases, colds and the flu will work their way out. However, if you have a virus you should still seek medical assistance. Not only is the flu miserable, it is very contagious. It is an illness that without proper care can lead to many other complications. The flu can very quickly turn into serious respiratory issues such as pneumonia or sepsis, which is an infection that takes over your body. Elderly people, infants, and others with weakened immune systems are extremely susceptible to these side effects.
cold & flu san diego
Why You Should Visit an Urgent Care if You Have a Cold
A thorough examination will determine if you have the flu which is accompanied by fever, body aches and pains, and fatigue. There are other viruses including intestinal and stomach-related viruses that are usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These situations can be treated by anti-nausea medications or intravenous fluids when there are signs of extensive dehydration. Children and infants are more susceptible than adults to contracting the flu and ear infections. An influenza diagnostic test can be run if someone has the flu but it’s not always 100% accurate. Therefore, even if the test is negative, a patient with body aches, congestion, fever, and a runny nose can be treated with medications to alleviate their symptoms. After returning home, if still suffering, you should drink plenty of liquids and control your fever with medications such as Motrin or Tylenol as indicated. With colds, it is advised you get plenty of rest. To prevent spreading your cold or flu, stay home from work or school for at least 24-hours after your fever has subsided and no further medications are required.