Summer colds are like common colds that happen during the summer. But why do they feel worse? To break it down, even though colds are virus-based, some viruses that cause colds are more prone to warmer weather; hence, making them summer colds.

As the climate shifts, so does the viral landscape. This shift introduces enteroviruses into the mix. They’re a group of viruses that usually cause mild infectious illnesses similar to that of the common cold, and often cause these infections during the summer and fall seasons. 

The various strains and versions of enteroviruses cause multiple symptoms, some of which are uncommon for summer colds, such as sudden fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 

Common Symptoms of Summer Colds

• Pressure in the sinuses or head

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Congestion

• Body and muscle aches

• Sore throat

• Low energy 

Alleviating Symptoms

Although there aren’t any cures for colds, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms: 

• Drink plenty of fluids, mostly water. Stay away from drinks that can cause dehydration, like coffee or energy drinks. 

• Rest, rest, and more rest. Getting lots of rest is very important. Allowing yourself to rest during this time allows the body to heal and recuperate faster. 

• Cough medicine/pain relievers/fever reducers

• Decongestants 

• Humidifier to help with coughing and to reduce air dryness 

Please note that antibiotics do not treat colds. This is because antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viral ones, like colds. 

Ways To Prevent Summer Colds

There may not be a cure for colds, yet you can still prevent yourself from catching one by:

• Frequently wash your hands

• Get plenty of sleep to strengthen your immune system

• Eat well-balanced meals

• Remain well-hydrated 

• As much as possible, avoid contact with those who are sick

Conclusion

All in all, colds are not fun in any season. If you do catch a summer cold, know that there are ways to alleviate the symptoms. 

Summer colds typically last a few days up to a week. But if you develop more concerning symptoms, take the time to speak to your healthcare provider, drop by one of our 10 locations, or click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment.

The post Summer Colds: Why Are They So Bad? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

When you are feeling terrible, your first thought is usually “How do I get better?” Whether what you’re feeling is a common cold, or the flu, seems like a formality. However, it could be an important distinction, especially if you are one of the millions of Americans at risk for complications.

Both the common cold and the flu are viral infections that can spread quickly, especially through close contact. Because both are viral, antibiotics will not be effective and will not be prescribed. However, a Quick Care Med provider may be able to help you by treating the symptoms, and by ensuring there is nothing more serious going on.

Common Cold Symptoms

A cold can make you feel miserable. The good news is that should only last a few days to a week. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you probably have a cold:
• The initial symptom for most people is a sore throat. This usually only lasts for the first day or two
• A stuffy, runny nose usually follows, along with nasal congestion
• Mild body aches and/or fatigue are common
• Adults will rarely have a fever. A low-grade fever may be present in children
• A cough may develop 3 to 5 days into the cold

You do not need to see a medical professional for a cold unless it persists for more than a week. At that point, if symptoms are not improving, or are getting worse, you may have developed a bacterial infection, and you should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu is a more serious viral infection that can progress to other illnesses, like pneumonia, especially if you are in one of the at-risk categories – the very young, the very old, and anyone who has a weakened immune system. The flu should be closely monitored in at-risk patients, or anyone who is getting worse over time. Symptoms of the flu include:
• The illness comes on suddenly
• Moderate to severe body aches and fatigue
• Fever, especially above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Exhaustion, especially during the first few days
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Diarrhea and vomiting (mainly in children)

If you visit a Quick Care Med provider within the first two days of the beginning of flu symptoms, the provider may be able to prescribe antiviral medication, which has been shown to have an impact on the severity of symptoms, and can also shorten the number of days you are sick with the flu. Those most at risk for complications should begin the antivirals whether or not they are within the two-day symptom period.
If you start to experience shortness of breath, or if your fever returns after being gone for a few days, see a provider right away as this could point to pneumonia.

Home Care for Cold and Flu

The following home care might help to relieve symptoms during your recovery:
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen, for body aches and pains
• Gargle with warm salt water to relieve sore throat or earaches
• Drink lots of fluids, and REST
• Use a nasal rinse or saline drops
• Use a mentholated topical ointment to help with breathing
• Employ a vaporizer or humidifier
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are not recommended for young children, but can be used to manage the symptoms of adults

Your Quick Care Med providers can perform tests to determine which treatments need to be administered, and how to get you back on your feet in no time!

The post Congestion, Runny Nose, and a Cough? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Allergies are very common. According to WebMD, 1 in 5 Americans suffers from some sort of allergy. And just because you were not allergic to something in the past, does not mean you are not allergic to it now.

What is an allergy?

Our bodies are designed to protect themselves from anything harmful that enters, or comes in contact with the skin. Allergies occur when the body mistakes the normal material for something dangerous, and reacts by releasing a chemical known as histamine. Too much histamine produces the allergy symptoms we experience.

Some allergic reactions can be very quick and hardly noticeable, and will go away once the allergen is removed. Others will stick around and make the body miserable. The most severe type of allergic reaction is known as anaphylactic shock, and this type of reaction can be very dangerous of even deadly.

Common allergy symptoms include:

-Itchy/Watery eyes

-Nasal drainage and/or itchy nose

-Sneezing

-Hives or skin rash

-Feeling overly tired/ill

More severe reactions could suggest your body is experiencing anaphylaxis, and require immediate medical treatment. These include:

-Chest tightness/wheezing/shortness of breath

-Nausea or vomiting

-Tingling in the lips, scalp, feet, or hands

-All-over itchiness or hives

-Swelling of the tongue or throat

If you experience any of these symptoms, and have an epinephrine auto-injector, use it immediately, then call 911. It is important to seek medical assistance even after you have administered the medicine, and even if you feel better, because symptoms may return.

Common allergens

While it is possible to be allergic to almost anything, there are some common categories and triggers. These include:

-Food allergies – peanuts, eggs, shellfish, milk, gluten

-Airborne allergens – Mold, dust mites, animal dander, pollen

-Skin – certain textiles, types of plants, latex

-Medicines – most commonly penicillin

-Insect bites or stings – bee stings, fire ant bites

-Allergy Treatments

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with allergies, the good news is there are several good treatments available. Although there is no cure for allergies, you can feel better with the right combination of treatments.

-Medications, such as antihistamines, either over-the-counter or from your doctor

-Nasal sprays and eye drops

-Allergy shots

-The use of air purifiers or dehumidifiers

-Mattress pads and pillow covers

-Try to “allergy-proof” your environment as much as possible

It goes without saying that it is always best to try to avoid the allergen whenever possible. In the real world, that’s often impossible. Therefore, if you are prone to severe allergic reactions, be sure to have your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times, and inform those around you of your condition in case you are unable to speak up in an emergency.

The post Sneezing, Itchy Eyes, and a Runny Nose that Won’t Quit? appeared first on Quick Med Care.