When your head is splitting, your nose is running nonstop, your eyes are itching and you’re coughing, coughing, coughing, what’s the best way to fight back?
That depends on what’s causing your symptoms, according to Dr. Ian Tullberg, an urgent care and family medicine provider at UCHealth in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
It might be a cold or seasonal allergies, but flu season isn’t over yet, so that’s a possibility, too, he said. So are viruses like strep, pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Your battle plan varies according to the cause you suspect.
Colds
“Colds will give you a runny nose, sometimes a sore throat, a cough and even eye drainage,” Tullberg said in a news release. “You can get a fever, but usually not body aches.”
In other words, you might feel crummy but you can still function. Over-the-counter meds may provide relief, and some studies suggest that zinc can slightly shorten your symptoms, he said. But don’t overdo it. Too much zinc can be toxic.
“If you have symptoms for more than two weeks,” Tullberg said, “You maybe should seek some relief. There are symptomatic remedies we can offer.”
Be aware that a cold virus can’t become pneumonia, he added. If a cold leads to bronchitis or pneumonia, it’s because it has affected your body’s defenses.
Viruses
RSV has symptoms similar to a cold — sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, fever and decreased appetite, Tullberg said. Most folks recover in a week or so, but because it can lead to pneumonia and bronchiolitis, it can be very serious in seniors and infants. A nasal swab test can detect the virus.
Strep
A doctor can also test for strep throat, which usually affects kids between three and 15 years of age. Symptoms include fever, pus in the throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and sometimes a cough. A positive test will prompt a prescription for antibiotics.
Flu
Flu season isn’t over yet, so that might explain your misery, Tullberg said. Symptoms include a cough, chills, fever (100.4 degrees or more), body aches and even nausea and vomiting.
“I typically ask my patients, ‘Do you feel like you were just hit by a truck?’” Tullberg said. “If they say yes, then it leads more in that direction.”
For patients between five and 65 years of age, over-the-counter remedies may provide relief. Other folks are considered at high risk, and Tullberg recommends seeing your primary care or an urgent care doctor.
Patients can ask about a product called Tamiflu, which may help if given within 48 hours of first symptoms, he said.
“It can prevent hospitalization for more serious side effects, such as pneumonia, which is the leading cause of death from the flu,” Tullberg said. “And although Tamiflu has its upside, it can also cause upset stomach and vomiting.
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Allergies
With the pollen flying, your symptoms might owe to an allergy. There are some telltale signs it’s not a cold.
“Usually, the inside of the nose is more dusky pink rather than the red of a cold,” Tullberg said, adding: “You will never get a fever with allergies. Like teething, it’s an old wives’ tale.”
Still, misery isn’t uncommon — especially if your allergy is accompanied by a significant sinus infection or “your nose is blocked and you feel lots of pressure on your face,” he said. Most folks with allergies recognize their particular signs.
When to See a Doctor
While a few sneezes might just be the pollen count rising, certain “red flags” signal that it’s time to move past the pharmacy aisle and into a clinic. You should seek professional medical advice if:
- Symptoms persist: Your “cold” lasts longer than 10–14 days without improvement.
- Fever enters the mix: Allergies rarely cause a fever; a high temperature usually points to a viral or bacterial infection.
- Difficulty breathing: Wheezing or shortness of breath can indicate underlying asthma or a more serious respiratory issue.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) failure: Antihistamines and decongestants aren’t providing any relief.
The most important rule of thumb is to trust your intuition. “Seek help if something feels different or odd,” Tullberg advised. If your primary care physician is unavailable, don’t let your symptoms linger—utilize urgent care services, whether through a convenient virtual visit or an in-person clinic. Getting a professional diagnosis early can be the difference between a week of misery and a season of relief.
