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When should I go to urgent care with a cold?

Updated: May 26, 2023



While a running nose and coughing are common symptoms in the winter, colds shouldn’t be underestimated. The longer you try to DIY your own cold care, the longer you’ll feel under the weather. If you’re asking, “Should I go to the doctor for this cold?” the answer is likely yes!


Here at Crimson Care, we support families throughout Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and the surrounding areas with urgent care treatment for colds alongside other conditions.


5 reasons your common cold needs urgent care


On average, adults will have 2-3 colds per year while the figure is even higher for children. When you experience the symptoms of common cold illnesses, the good news is that rest and drinking fluids will often help the body fight back against the cough or runny nose.


However, here are five situations where you should stop by your local urgent care for medical support.


1. Your symptoms are getting worse


The symptoms of common cold infections are often very similar to influenza and sinus infections, which could require antibiotics to help you get better. You should seek medical care if you have noticed that your cold symptoms have worsened after the first 24 hours.


While standard doctor’s appointments are OK, urgent care treatment for colds is the better choice for faster appointment times and quicker results.


2. You’re coughing up blood


If you notice blood in the phlegm that you cough up, it could be a sign of underlying issues like bronchitis. Alternatively, you may have a severe infection that threatens to spread without seeking medical care. If left untreated, the cough may worsen, leading to more discomfort and additional symptoms if the infection spreads.


3. You have a high temperature


A temperature over 101 degrees is another symptom that suggests your infection is more serious than a common cold. Aside from the medical complications that a high temperature may cause, a fever will cause immense discomfort. Hyperthermia or fever will need to be controlled right away through the correct urgent care treatment. Meanwhile, antibiotics enable you to fight bacterial infection with greater efficiency.


4. You’re struggling to breathe


Chest pains and breathing difficulties may be a sign of pneumonia. Without the right treatment, the condition could become life-threatening within 48 hours. Even in situations where pneumonia won’t threaten your life, it has the potential to cause irreparable damage to your respiratory health.


Breathing difficulties may be accompanied by other worrying symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat. If you’re unsure of whether you should go to the emergency room or an urgent center, call us and we will advise you.


5. You’re in a high-risk category


Finally, if you are in the high-risk category of suffering badly from a cold, you should act fast. Pregnant women, children, people with respiratory conditions, and patients on certain medications may fall under this umbrella. Staying on top of the symptoms by seeking urgent care treatment for colds is a proactive way to ensure the cold doesn’t evolve into something more severe.


Why should I go to urgent care for a common cold?


It is unlikely that you will need emergency care for a common cold unless you experience extreme chest pains and dizziness. However, the difference between primary care and urgent care is speed. When your cold symptoms clearly need medical intervention, you don’t have time to waste!


Receive Quick & Affordable Medical Attention at Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa, Alabama


If you seek a quick, walk-in primary care or urgent care center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for you or your child, Crimson Care is what you need. You can trust the experienced physicians at Crimson Care. We are equipped to meet all of your needs with compassionate and comprehensive services. Call us today at (205) 270-5285.

Feel free to drop in or schedule an appointment online.


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