Common Reasons Your Cold Won’t Go Away
Do you ever get a cold that lingers on for weeks? Or perhaps you come down with the flu and it knocks you out for a long time? The common cold and the flu share many features: they’re both caused by viral infections, have similar symptoms, can be treated at home, and can last for a seemingly long time. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases say that an average cold can last 7 to 10 days. However, in some cases, it can linger for several weeks. If you are one of those people who struggle to kick the cold or the flu, here’s where you could be going wrong.
Common Reasons Why Your Cold or the Flu is Lingering:
- Stress
Stress is a major immune suppressant and something that we experience every day. There’s no hiding from stress, but you can work to minimize the effects of stress. If you’re already ill, you can try meditating, writing, talking to a friend, and practicing mindfulness to ease your tension levels. According to the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, stress can make the body highly vulnerable to diseases.
- Exercise
Sure, skipping your workouts may make you feel agitated or irritable, but if you have a fever or a cold, you must reschedule your gym dates and let your body heal. It’s best if you don’t exercise while you are ill, as physical exertion will only hinder your progress. If you have a cold that is above the head, you may be able to introduce your training sessions slowly. However, if you have body aches and chest congestion, it’s best you stay in bed until you are fully recovered.
- Sleep
When suffering from a cold or the flu, it’s important to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night to allow the body to replenish itself. Even the healthiest of us fail to get enough rest on a nightly basis, but it becomes increasingly more important when fighting a virus. Experts say that lack of sleep can suppress the immune system like nothing else, so make sure you are sleeping well before, during, and after getting a cold.
Even though a cold and the flu can last several days and sometimes even weeks, be mindful to notice any signs of complications. Severe symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- High fever
- Seizures
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
If you have any of these symptoms, you should promptly seek medical attention.
For all of your health concerns and medical needs, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. We welcome walk-in patients. Call us at (949) 536-7892 or visit us here to get started!
