OVERVIEW
Are you feeling under the weather with a runny nose, sore throat, and nasal congestion? The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, causing various symptoms that can last up to 10 days. A more accurate term for this condition is a viral upper respiratory tract infection or URI for short.
MyInstantMD’s online cold treatment services provide convenient access to board-certified doctors who can help you find relief from the comfort of your own home. Get personalized care and start feeling better today with our user-friendly platform.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Common Cold/URI Causes
The common cold (URI) is caused by a variety of viruses, with rhinoviruses being some of the most common culprits. These cold viruses attack the upper respiratory system. Most of these viruses invade the nasal passages where they attempt to replicate inside of the cells lining the respiratory tract. This initiates an immune response triggering inflammation. This in turns leads to mucus production to combat the virus and results in common symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough.
Other viruses that can cause cold-like symptoms include coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Although the specific virus responsible for a cold may differ, the symptoms and duration of the illness are generally similar across various viral strains. Cold viruses spread easily through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact with contaminated surfaces.
Common Cold/URI Symptoms
The typical symptoms of the common cold and upper respiratory infections are a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, chest congestion, and mild headache or body aches. Some people may also experience sneezing, a low-grade fever, and general fatigue.
Symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus and gradually worsen over the next few days.
While cold symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are generally milder than those of the flu. Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and may include a high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, chills, and significant fatigue.
The common cold typically lasts for 7 to 10 days, with symptoms often peaking within the first 3 to 4 days. Cold symptoms usually begin with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, congestion, and cough.
These respiratory infections can also cause headaches, body aches, and low-grade fevers. While most cold and flu symptoms gradually improve over a week, some may linger for up to 10 days.
Monitoring the progression of cold and flu symptoms is crucial for effective treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen beyond 10 days or more, it may indicate a more severe condition, such as a bacterial sinus infection, requiring further medical attention.
Prescription Medication
The mainstay of treatments involve over the counter options but there are some prescription medications that can provide relief.
The nasal steroid spray fluticasone/Flonase is available over the counter or by prescription. It can help to reduce the inflammation in the nasal passages that leads to mucus production.
The prescription cough medication Benzonatate can be prescribed for ongoing cough symptoms especially with coughing episodes at night interfering with proper sleep. This medication effectively “numbs” the cough receptors in the upper airway leading to cough suppression.
The bronchodilator inhaler Albuterol can be prescribed for cases where there may be ongoing cough along with wheezing.
It should be noted that antibiotics are not indicated for treatment of the common cold or upper respiratory tract infections including acute bronchitis. This is due to these conditions being caused by a virus and antibiotics are not effective against viruses. The only proper use of antibiotics is to treat bacterial infections.
Recommendations for further upper respiratory tract treatments when necessary
Most cases of upper respiratory infections and the common cold will resolve within 10 days or less. If symptoms persist with facial pain and greenish nasal discharge past this time period (10 days or more) then it could be a sign of bacterial sinus infections. MYInstantMD offers evaluation for possible cases of bacterial sinusitis. Antibiotics are indicated for treatment of this condition. Please choose that evaluation and treatment pathway if applicable.
In less common circumstances, an upper respiratory tract infection may migrate to the lungs and lead to pneumonia. Typical symptoms would be prolonged URI symptoms along with persistent fever >101 degrees, shortness of breath, and pain with deep breathing. If you feel your symptoms may be related to pneumonia then please seek an in person evaluation in a clinic, Urgent Care or the ER for a proper evaluation.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Benefits of Online Treatment
At MyInstantMD, we understand the importance of convenient access to quality healthcare for cold treatment. Our team of experienced, board-certified doctors is dedicated to providing personalized care through our secure, easy-to-use online platform.
This service provides patients with access to board-certified family medicine doctors who have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of health conditions, including the common cold.
These highly qualified medical professionals are committed to delivering top-quality care through virtual consultations, ensuring that patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans tailored to their individual needs.
By connecting with board-certified doctors, patients can trust that they are receiving expert advice and guidance from healthcare providers who adhere to the highest standards of medical practice.
Over the Counter Medications and Self-Care Tips
Although there is no “cure” for the common cold; there are several treatments that can help reduce the symptoms and hasten recovery.
It is very important to focus on maintaining hydration and getting quality sleep. Avoid any sugary foods as these can inhibit the action of your immune cells and delay recovery.
Vitamin supplementation can help to boost the immune cell response to the virus. Taking Vitamin C up to 1000 mg daily in addition to Vitamin D3 2,000 IU daily can be very beneficial during common cold episodes.
In addition, Zinc gluconate can be taken up to 40mg daily. This helps to reduce the viral replication so your immune cells can get control of the infection faster.
Available Treatment Options
At MyInstantMD, we offer online consultations for common cold symptoms with Board-certified doctors who have experience treating upper respiratory tract infections. Our medical professionals will create personalized treatment plans for your symptoms that may include nasal sprays, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory medications or prescription cough medications. These will all be focused to relieve symptoms.
Convenience and Accessibility
Online common cold treatment offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. With just a few taps on your smartphone or clicks on your computer, you can connect with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your own home, anytime.
No more waiting in crowded waiting rooms or taking time off work for appointments. Our telehealth platform makes it easy for you to get the care you need, when you need it, without the hassle of traditional office visits.
MyInstantMD’s user-friendly interface and secure online portal ensures that your personal health information is protected while you receive high-quality care. Our board-certified doctors are experienced in treating common cold and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and can provide personalized treatment plans, including prescription medications if necessary.
We’ll consider factors like the severity of your respiratory symptoms, age, and medical history to recommend the most effective medications, such as mucolytics, nasal decongestant sprays, antihistamines, or cough suppressants.
We understand that dealing with common cold and respiratory symptoms can be frustrating and emotionally challenging, which is why we prioritize convenience and confidentiality throughout the entire process. Our secure online portal allows you to easily message your doctor with questions or concerns within 24 hours of you receiving your treatment.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Avoiding exposure to other illnesses
Online common cold treatment reduces your risk of catching other illnesses. Waiting rooms can expose you to germs from sick patients. Telehealth lets you get care from home.
Protect your health and get started now to experience relief without leaving your couch.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Fast and secure Telehealth platform
Our telehealth platform is fast and secure. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete our online questionnaire for our providers to review and send you a personalized treatment plan.
We use HIPAA-compliant technology to protect your personal health information.
This ensures only authorized individuals can view sensitive medical details. You can feel confident your privacy is safeguarded when using our platform.
Get Started Today
Ready to start feeling better? Get started now with MyInstantMD and get the relief you need from your common cold symptoms. Our secure telehealth platform makes it easy to connect with a board-certified doctor who can provide personalized treatment options tailored to your needs.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Acute medical treatment in
3 easy steps
1
Answer a few simple questions
2
Provider will then review your information
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Send prescription to the pharmacy of your choice
FAQS about Common Cold treatment online
Cold treatment online refers to methods and remedies that can be used to treat cold symptoms through online resources.
You can find information online about various over-the-counter medications that can help reduce symptoms including nasal decongestants, anti-histamines, etc.
Yes, there are many options for home remedy treatment for the common cold. Some of these include proper rest and hydration and supplementing with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, D, and Zinc. Proper hand hygiene can also prevent further spread of the viruses that cause the common cold.
In some cases, you may be able to consult with a healthcare provider online and receive a prescription for a prescription nasal spray or cough suppressant.
