The common cold is caused by a virus, and there are a few different cold viruses. It causes inflammation in the lining of the nose and throat. There are hundreds of different cold viruses. Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of colds. 
 
Colds are easily spread to other people. They can spread through droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes. The droplets can be inhaled by other people. Colds can also spread when an infected person touches something and then that same thing is touched by someone else.

Cold weather or getting a chill does not cause a cold. It is true that colds are more frequent in the winter months. This is because people are indoors more and repeatedly in close contact with others who may be ill. Winter months also tend to have lower humidity, which leaves the nasal passages dry and makes them more susceptible to cold viruses.

The cold and COVID-19 are caused by viruses. The common cold is usually caused by one of the rhinoviruses. COVID-19 and the common cold spread in much the same way. They both share many symptoms, but there are a few differences that can help you know which one you are dealing with.
 
Both can have a cough. The COVID cough is usually dry and the cold cough is not.
Muscle aches are usually a part of COVID-19 and only sometimes with the cold. Fever and tiredness are a common part of COVID and only sometimes happen with colds. If you are sneezing, it is most likely because of a cold and not COVID-19. If you have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, these are never part of a cold but can be part of COVID-19. Loss of smell does not happen with colds but is somewhat common with COVID.

While it may seem that colds last forever, they generally only last for 7-10 days.

The viruses that cause colds are spread from one infected person to another. This can happen through droplets that move through the air or close contact with a person who has a cold. Infections can happen from contact with an infected person’s stool or other respiratory secretions. This can happen when you touch something that the infected person has touched or has the virus on, or you shake hands with them and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
 
To reduce the risk of getting a cold, wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If you don’t have soap and water available, use a hand sanitizer, preferably an alcohol-based type. The cold virus can live on your hands, so keep them clean. Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth if you have not washed your hands. It is paramount to elude people who are sick.

There is no cure for the common cold, and many treatments for the cold are available. The old advice of drinking plenty of fluids and getting plenty of rest is the most successful in dealing with a cold. Trying to relieve the symptoms is often the best that can be done.
 
There are signs that you may need to see a doctor about your cold. If you have had a cold for 10 days and aren’t getting better, it is a good idea to see a doctor. If it has lasted longer, it may be a bacterial infection and not just a cold. If you are experiencing pain when you breathe or have shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in your chest, see a doctor right away. If you are experiencing chills or a fever, you are coughing up phlegm or the phlegm is yellow, you may have an upper respiratory infection or pneumonia.
 
PrimeHealth Urgent Care has the ability to diagnose and get you the treatment you need to address a cold or other respiratory infection. Please give them a call or make an online appointment, and since PrimeHealth is an urgent care facility, you can even walk in for help. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Parrish FL, Bradenton FL, Sarasota FL, Lithia FL, Lehigh Acres FL, Estero FL, Ellenton FL, Port Charlotte FL, West Bradenton FL, Palmetto FL, Lakewood Ranch FL, Foxleigh FL, Venice FL, Fruitville, FL, Wimauma FL, Balm FL, Fort Myers FL, Westminster FL, El Dorado Acres FL, Cascades FL, West Samoset FL, Memphis FL, Harbour Heights FL, Murdock FL, and surrounding cities.