Common Cold Treatment at Universal Primary Care in Bakersfield, CA

At Universal Primary Care, your health and comfort are our top priorities—even when it comes to common illnesses like the cold. The best way to ease discomfort from a common cold is to focus on relieving symptoms and supporting your body’s natural recovery. Our team recommends plenty of rest, which allows your immune system to fight off the virus more effectively. Staying well-hydrated by drinking water, clear broths, or herbal teas is important for loosening congestion and preventing dehydration.

Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce fever and alleviate aches and pains. Decongestants and saline nasal sprays may also provide relief from nasal congestion. For a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water or using throat lozenges can be soothing. Using a humidifier or vaporizer at home can ease breathing, especially in dry environments. Eating nutritious foods and avoiding irritants like smoke further support your immune system. It’s important to note that antibiotics are not effective against the viruses that cause the common cold. Most people recover within a week or two with these self-care measures.

If your symptoms worsen, last longer than two weeks, or if you have underlying health concerns, our team is here to help. Schedule an appointment with us for personalized care and guidance. Your well-being is our mission—contact Universal Primary Care anytime you have questions or concerns about your health.

At Universal Primary Care, we understand how uncomfortable the common cold can be. While over-the-counter (OTC) medicines won’t cure a cold, they can help manage many of the most bothersome symptoms. OTC medications can provide relief from issues like a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, mild fever, and body aches. For example, decongestants can make breathing easier by reducing nasal congestion, while antihistamines may help with sneezing and a runny nose. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease fever and body aches, and cough suppressants or expectorants may help with cough symptoms.

Our providers encourage patients to follow all dosing instructions carefully and to be mindful of potential side effects or drug interactions—especially for children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, become worse, or are accompanied by high fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, please contact Universal Primary Care. Our team is here to ensure your symptoms are properly managed and to rule out any more serious conditions. Your health and well-being are always our top priority.

We are committed to providing comprehensive healthcare for children, including the treatment of common illnesses like the cold. If your child is experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, mild fever, or sore throat, our experienced medical team is here to help.

When you bring your child to Universal Primary Care, our providers will carefully evaluate their symptoms and overall health. We will guide you on how to best manage your child’s cold at home, including recommending supportive care measures such as rest, hydration, and appropriate over-the-counter remedies. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have the resources and information needed for your child’s recovery.

While most common colds can be managed with home care, Universal Primary Care is here for you if symptoms become severe or linger longer than expected, or if you have any concerns about your child’s well-being. We offer thorough evaluations and, when necessary, additional treatment or referrals to ensure your child receives the best possible care.

Universal Primary Care providers can prescribe medications for cold-related discomfort. Our team is fully qualified to assess and treat common illnesses, including colds. When you visit our provider with cold symptoms—like sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, or mild fever—they perform a physical examination, rule out more serious infections (like flu, strep, or COVID-19), and recommend treatment options. Since the common cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not typically prescribed unless there is a confirmed secondary bacterial infection. However, they can prescribe medications to ease your symptoms.

Medications prescribed or recommended include:

● Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) for nasal congestion
● Cough suppressants (e.g., benzonatate) or expectorants (e.g., guaifenesin)
● Antihistamines (e.g., loratadine or diphenhydramine) for runny nose or sneezing
● Pain relievers/antipyretics (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen) for fever and body aches
● Throat lozenges or sprays for sore throat relief

If symptoms are mild, they might suggest over-the-counter options instead of writing a prescription. They also advise on home care: rest, fluids, and proper hygiene.

When to visit Universal Primary Care for a cold:

● Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
● High or persistent fever
● Difficulty breathing or chest pain
● Sinus pain or earache

At Universal Primary Care, our priority is your well-being. We encourage you to follow your provider’s instructions and reach out with any questions or concerns about your medications—whether prescribed or over-the-counter. Our goal is to ensure your symptoms are managed safely and effectively, helping you feel better as soon as possible. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 8325 Brimhall Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93312. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Panama CA, Arvin CA, Fairfax CA, Rosedale CA, and surrounding areas.