The common cold is not typically not severe enough to warrant a visit to your MD. If symptoms are severe or not common of a cold you should see the providor that is on your family health insurance plan.
People tend to get the common cold in the fall and winter months; the cold weather itself does not cause the common cold. It is thought that during cold-weather months people spend more time indoors in close proximity to each other, which enhances the chances of spreading the cold viruses. This is why children in day care and school are more prone to spreading the common cold viruses.
There are many ways to limit exposure to the common cold viruses among us. A good habit to build for yourself and your children is washing your hand multiple times a day. Another prevention measure is, instead of covering your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing with your hand, is to place your face in the bend of your arm to keep you from spreading the virus onto things you touch with your hands. It is also a good idea to keep hand sanitizer in your home, car and purse to use when you cannot wash your hands as frequently.
When you have lost the battle of the common cold virus and you start feeling the symptoms, it is best to make time to get plenty of rest. You should also drink plenty of fluids to help flush your system of the cold virus. It is wise to have others in your house start drinking orange juice, or take vitamin C pills, this could help lower their chances of getting the virus. It is also a good idea to get rid of your toothbrush, and wash all bedding once you are feeling better to keep from having a relapse.
Going to the doctor is not always necessary with the common cold, but if you start to run a fever over 101 degrees, you should make and appointment with your primary care physician. This could be a sign of an infection in the ears, sinuses, or throat, brought on by the cold. If you have medical insurance it is usually only a co pay to see the doctor and a co pay to get the prescriptions you need to fight the infection, and get back to feeling better.
In conclusion, the best way to avoid the many common cold viruses floating around, is to keep your hands away from your face, wash your hands frequently, and don’t stay cooped up inside too much. If you get the one of the cold viruses, rest, get plenty of fluids, and try to take the correct measures not to pass it on to others. If you are not feeling better in a few days or start running fever get to your primary care physician to make sure you have not gotten an infection.