Colds

Since the common cold derives from a respiratory virus, the main course of treatment is primarily rest, over-the-counter meds and plenty of fluids. The typical uncomfortable symptoms include a sore throat, low-grade fever, congestion, coughing, sneezing, irritated eyes and a runny nose. While kids tend to pick up colds quite frequently at school, most adults can expect to suffer from a common cold two to three times per year. Contrary to popular belief, visiting your primary care physician when you have a cold is far from a waste of time. For one thing, it’s worth making sure that your illness isn’t actually strep throat, the flu, a sinus infection, or some other upper respiratory issue that requires medical treatment. For another, particularly for older people, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, a cold may lead to more serious problems caused by dehydration or related symptoms, and is definitely worth being evaluated. It is particularly important to seek medical attention whenever an adult maintains a fever of 103 degrees F or higher along with sweats and chills, swollen glands or coughing that produces mucus.