The common cold typically begins with a sore throat and runny nose. Symptoms often progress through distinct stages.
Early Stage (1-3 days)
Middle Stage (4-7 days)
Late Stage (8-10 days)
If your cold symptoms persist beyond 10 days or worsen, consult your healthcare provider or visit SCC Corsicana. This could indicate a secondary infection requiring medical attention.
Diagnosing a common cold is typically straightforward and relies primarily on a patient's symptoms. Healthcare providers usually diagnose a cold based on a detailed description of the patient's symptoms, which typically include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, mild body aches, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. While additional tests like throat swabs, nasal swabs, or chest X-rays might be necessary to rule out other illnesses in severe or prolonged cases, they're generally not required for a typical cold diagnosis.
SCC Corsicana offers supportive care to help manage symptoms and promote a faster recovery. Our healthcare professionals can provide guidance on over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and when it's necessary to seek further medical attention.
If your cold symptoms worsen or persist, SCC Corsicana can provide further evaluation and treatment. This might include:
SCC Corsicana offers comprehensive healthcare services to help you stay healthy and prevent illnesses like the common cold. Our focus is on preventive care and education to empower you to take control of your health.
Key preventive measures include:
Colds and flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they differ in severity and symptoms. Colds typically start gradually with milder symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, and coughing. Flu, on the other hand, often comes on suddenly with more intense symptoms including high fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue. While a cold primarily affects the nose and throat, flu is a systemic illness impacting the entire body. Flu is generally more severe and can lead to serious complications, unlike the common cold.
While both COVID-19 and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, they are distinct conditions. Colds tend to have a gradual onset with milder symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, and congestion. COVID-19 often has a more abrupt start and can include fever, severe body aches, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Additionally, COVID-19 is significantly more contagious and can lead to severe complications, unlike the common cold.
