Did you know that most of us experience one to two colds a year? If you have yet to experience a cold so far this year, you might want to take extra precautions to protect yourself from catching the common cold.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson want to give you tips on how you can both prevent and treat a common cold so that you can get back to living a normal life.

How Long Does a Cold Last For?

For the most part, the most severe symptoms of a common cold can last around three days.

However, some symptoms of a cold, like a runny nose, may stick around for a bit longer as your body gets back to normal after illness.

Symptoms of a Common Cold

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Congestion
• Slight body aches
  
• Mild headache
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever

How Can You Prevent a Common Cold?

Although a common cold is pretty contagious, there are some steps you can take in order to prevent it. For starters, you want to make sure you wash your hands frequently throughout the day and try to avoid touching your face as much as possible.

If someone you know is experiencing symptoms of the common cold, you want to avoid them until they have found relief from their symptoms.

Illness Prevention Basics

• Get plenty of quality sleep.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a balanced diet filled with fruits and veggies.
• Don’t smoke.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces often.

Do you think it is a cold or the flu? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Hixson today for a medical evaluation. We are here to help you get back to feeling like you!