We’ve all suffered from the common cold at one time or another. Some people are laid up by a cold while others try to grit their teeth and gut their way through it. Either way, having a cold is no fun and can get in the way of what you want to achieve while you’re dealing with it. If you’ve been feeling under the weather lately, our team at Montecito Concierge Medicine can help. We offer 24/7 care and even in-home visits through our concierge medicine plans. Get in touch today to learn more.
What Exactly Is the Common Cold?
The common cold is how we refer to the cluster of symptoms that come with a viral infection, usually an upper respiratory infection from a virus called a rhinovirus. A cold is easily transmissible, and can come from touching something or someone with the virus and then touching parts of your face like your nose, mouth, or eyes, or by inhaling droplets of virus exhaled by an infected person sneezing, coughing, or even talking.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of the common cold are usually mild. They can include some combination of a cough, runny nose or stuffy nose and congestion, sneezing, a sore throat, and achiness. You may also have a mild fever. If you have a high fever or a fever that lasts for five days or more, you may have a more serious virus and should seek immediate medical treatment.
What Are the Risk Factors for the Common Cold?
The common cold is more often seen in children, who may find themselves interacting with other children in less hygienic surroundings and be less meticulous about their own hygiene. You are also more likely to catch a cold if you are a smoker, during cold weather, if you have a weak immune system, and if you spend a lot of time around other people without taking proper health precautions.
How Is the Common Cold Treated?
At Montecito Concierge Medicine, we will usually recommend fluids and bed rest for the common cold. Our staff is also happy to offer support and suggest medicines that can alleviate symptoms. More importantly, if you are a member of Montecito Concierge Medicine, we can keep track of your colds, so if you are getting them frequently we can explore why. We may recommend a change in diet or exercise or an adjustment to your environment to reduce your common cold incidences.
How Can I Get Started With Montecito Concierge Medicine?
Although we’re happy to talk to you about your symptoms right now, the best way to take advantage of our services is to call us before you get sick, so we can do a full workup on you and get to know you. Getting started is easy. Call us at (805) 892-6500 or click the appointment button below and we will set you up with a no-pressure consultation with Dr. Alan J. Viglione right away.