Feeling under the weather? Here’s what you should know

Have you ever awakened to a scratchy throat, persistent cough, and runny nose, dismissed it as a common cold, and gone about your day?

If so, you might want to reconsider next time, since these symptoms could lead to something more serious.

COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all produce similar symptoms to the common cold, including cough, headache, sneezing, runny nose and congestion. If accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, body ache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, or difficulty breathing, however, further attention needs to be paid.

By understanding your symptoms and health history, you can determine your best course of action to get on the road to recovery. Adena Health’s team of skilled care providers stand ready to help diagnose your specific ailment, monitor for any troubling symptoms, and offer the treatment you need to feel better.

That’s especially true for young children, elderly adults, and those with compromised immune systems who may be particularly vulnerable to developing serious complications from these viruses that could require hospitalization. The risk in those cases underscore why it is important not to wait to get diagnosed and to seek the appropriate care as soon as possible.

In healthy adults and children, symptoms of those viral infections may result in some time at home away from work or school, but are usually relatively mild. If difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a blue tinge to the skin, lips, and nail beds occur, however, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Taking a break from interacting with others is advised when dealing with viral infections to stop the spread of the disease. Viruses can be transmitted to others when an infected person exhales small particles that are breathed in by someone else. They also can spread when a person touches a contaminated surface such as a table or door knob, then touches their own eyes, nose, or mouth.

There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming infected, however. Washing hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, keeping your hands away from your nose, mouth, and eyes, avoiding contact with those who are sick, and getting vaccinated are effective ways of avoiding viruses. Likewise, you can keep from spreading a virus to others by covering coughs, disinfecting items such as toys and smart phones, and staying home when sick.

For non-emergency symptoms that can't wait for an appointment with a primary care provider, visit an Adena urgent care for relief. With multiple locations and services such as on-site lab testing, rapid flu and COVID-19 tests, and vaccinations, Adena offers prompt, compassionate care without the long wait. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., walk in or reserve your spot online at Adena.org/urgentcare.