When you’re struggling with a cough, congestion, and other respiratory symptoms, you may assume it’s just a cold. Sometimes, however, it seems a bit different or more miserable. How do you know when a cold is just a cold? And, when should you seek medical help?
Let’s explore the symptoms of a cold, signs and symptoms that suggest a different illness, and when to get help. Emerald Coast Urgent Care offers rapid, exceptional care at each of our three convenient Northwestern Florida locations, so we’re ready and equipped to help when the time comes.
Common Cold Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a cold are usually mild and, although uncomfortable, don’t usually call for a trip to a health care provider. Typical cold symptoms include:
- Runny nose.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sneezing.
- Headache.
- Feeling unwell.
- Fatigue.
- Mild body aches.
Concerning Respiratory Symptoms
The common cold is just one of many respiratory illnesses. Symptoms that may suggest your illness is more than just a cold could include:
- A fever over 101.3°F, especially when it lasts a few days.
- A fever that resolves and then comes back.
- Wheezing or shortness of breath.
- A severe or persistent cough.
- A severely sore throat.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- A severe headache.
- Sinus pain or pressure.
- Significant body aches.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Nausea.
In addition, when your symptoms become worse and not better, you are likely not just dealing with a cold.
When to Go to Urgent Care for Respiratory Concerns
If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit urgent care for a diagnosis and treatment. Some illnesses can be mistaken for the cold and may share some of the same symptoms. They may, however, also be accompanied by some of the above symptoms.
Examples include:
- Influenza (flu). Caused by the influenza virus, the flu is often characterized by fever, chills, cough, fatigue, and body aches.
- Bronchitis. Bronchitis involves the inflammation of the bronchial tubes in your lungs and often starts with a cold. Though bronchitis may resolve on its own, it may persist and you may benefit from treatment in urgent care.
- COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea, body aches, fever, chills, and changes in taste or smell. Cold-like symptoms are also common with COVID-19.
- Pneumonia. Pneumonia symptoms can be mild and resemble cold or flu symptoms. They can also be more severe and include shortness of breath, cough (which may produce thick mucus), fatigue, fever, chills, and confusion (more common in older adults or those with weakened immunity).
How Urgent Care Can Help
If you’re dealing with ongoing, uncomfortable symptoms that seem to suggest something more than just a cold, urgent care is an appropriate choice for care. An experienced provider can get to the bottom of your respiratory illness and start the best treatment for you.
At Emerald Coast Urgent Care, we feature onsite diagnostic X-ray imaging and lab services, ensuring your provider can reach a diagnosis quickly and get you on the road to recovery.
Visit one of our convenient locations today for exceptional urgent care near you.
