What Is a Head Cold?

Do you have a stuffy nose, sore throat, and headache? Congratulations, you probably have a head cold! A head cold is a respiratory infection that primarily affects the nose and throat. It is caused by viruses and is the most common type of illness in the United States. In this blog post, we will discuss what a head cold is, what its symptoms are, how to treat it and when it may be time to visit urgent care. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent head colds from occurring in the first place!

What is a head cold?

A head cold is a respiratory infection that primarily affects the nose and throat. It is caused by viruses and is the most common type of illness in the United States.

Head colds are caused by viruses that enter the body through your eyes, nose or mouth and spread throughout your respiratory system. They’re what we call ”airborne illnesses”, meaning you’ll likely catch one if someone coughs or sneezes nearby. The most common cold viruses are rhinovirus (responsible for about 35 percent of all head colds) and coronaviruses (about 20 percent).

What are the symptoms of head colds?

Symptoms of head colds are:

• stuffy nose (congestion) and runny nose (mucus draining from each nostril); this is what happens when your body tries to fight off an infection. It may also cause nasal congestion
• sore throat, which is often a result of postnasal drip (mucus draining down the back of your throat)
• headache; this is one of the most common symptoms and can be caused by inflammation in the nasal passages as well as pressure on your sinuses from mucus buildup
• fatigue; often comes with feeling run down or achiness
• body aches, which can be a result of the infection itself or from fever
• loss of appetite; you may not feel like eating anything when you have a head cold

What a head cold feels like?

A head cold can feel like a number of things, depending on the person. For many people, it feels like a general sense of feeling unwell – similar to when you have the flu. You may also experience all (or some) of the above symptoms. Typically head colds present themselves in the winter months, but they can occur any time, especially after being exposed to others who are sick.

What are the stages of a head cold?

There is no one set answer to this question, as everyone’s experience with head colds may be different. However, typically a head cold will follow a certain progression. It often starts with a feeling of being run down or tired, along with a stuffy nose and sore throat. As the infection progresses, you may start to have more and more symptoms, including a headache, body aches, and loss of appetite. In some cases (usually the more severe ones), you may also experience fever.

How do you cure a head cold?

There is no cure for head colds, but there are several things you can do to help relieve the symptoms. These include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids (water and other liquids) – this will keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration from fever.
• Resting as much as possible so that your body has time to recover from what is essentially an infection.
• Sucking on throat lozenges or gargling with warm salt water to help soothe a sore throat.
• Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain, fever, and inflammation.
• Inhaling steam from a hot shower, boiling pot of water, or using a humidifier to help loosen mucus and clear your nasal passages.
• Eating light, nutritious foods that will help give your body the energy it needs to fight off the infection.

FAQ

Q: Any at-home remedies for a head cold?

A: There are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of head colds. These include drinking plenty of fluids (water and other liquids) – this will keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration from fever, resting as much as possible so that your body has time to recover from what is essentially an infection, sucking on throat lozenges or gargling with warm salt water to help soothe a sore throat and take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain, fever, and inflammation.

Q: How long does it take for what is a head cold?

A: There is no set answer for this question, but most head colds last anywhere from one to five days. If you have what is a head cold and the symptoms don’t seem to be improving after seven days or so, it’s time to see your doctor.

Q: What’s the difference between a head cold and a chest cold?

A: A chest cold is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs, while a head cold is an infection of the nose and throat. Chest colds are more serious than head colds and can often lead to pneumonia if not treated properly.

Q: What’s the difference between what is a head cold and the flu?

A: The flu is a more serious respiratory infection that affects the lungs and can lead to hospitalization if not treated. Head colds are less severe than the flu and typically don’t cause such extreme symptoms. However, both infections are caused by viruses and can be spread through contact with others who are sick.

Q: What’s the difference between a head cold vs. a sinus infection?

A: A sinus infection is a more serious condition that affects the sinuses, while a head cold is an infection of the nose and throat. Sinus infections are typically caused by bacteria, while head colds are most often caused by viruses. Sinus infections can lead to other health problems if not treated properly, while head colds are typically less serious.

Q: Any tips for prevention?

A: There are a few things you can do to help prevent head colds, including washing your hands regularly and often, avoiding contact with sick people, and staying warm and dry. You can also drink plenty of fluids (water and other liquids) – this will keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration from fever, resting as much as possible so that your body has time to recover from what is essentially an infection, sucking on throat lozenges or gargling with warm salt water to help soothe a sore throat and take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain, fever, and inflammation.

When you should visit University Urgent Care?

If you are experiencing a high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or any other concerning symptoms, it is best to visit your local emergency room. However, if you are simply suffering from the common cold or another minor respiratory infection and would like some relief from your symptoms, University Urgent Care in Fort Worth is here to help. We accept walk-ins and same-day appointment scheduling.