Question 1

i get bad colds at least 8 times a year. how can i improve my immune system?

Accepted Answer

More likely allergy: If you have colds a year but are otherwise healthy, it is more likely that your cold symptoms are from allergy instead especially if they respond to oral antihistamine/decongestant.  Consult an allergist who can evaluate you both on an immunologic and an allergic points of view.

Question 2

we have mold in our building i have been sick on and off this school year from sinuses, bad colds and coughs to strep is mold the reason for this?

Accepted Answer

Mold: These fungi are ubiquitous and the debate is always whether it is possible that they create symptoms when they are present in very high concentrations or the symptoms are due to something entirely different. Since you encounter these in every aspect of daily life, it is questionable whether the ones in the building are responsible.

Question 3

since october, i've become sick a total of seven times. most were bad colds, and once in december i had strep throat. tips on improving immunity?

Accepted Answer

colds?: While  exposure to viruses in the community, especially if you are exposed to young children regularly such as in a school setting, will make you predisposed to recurrent urti, you may need to consult an allergist/immunologist to check on your immune system and determine if there is any underlying deficiency.

Question 4

hi im on birth control pills.. is it ok to take neozep? i really have bad colds.. neozep contains 
phenylephrine hcl
chlorphenamine maleate
paracetamo

Accepted Answer

Yes: Phenylephrine HCl, Chlorphenamine Maleate  and Paracetamol won't decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills.  Best wishes!

Question 5

what's a viral uri?

Accepted Answer

An infection of the : Upper airways, not the lung, caused by one of a myriad of viruses such as influenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus and lots of others.

Question 6

how long is a viral uri contagious?

Accepted Answer

Several weeks: In a healthy 48 year old, your immune system should eradicate a viral upper respiratory tract infection in about 2 to 3 weeks.

Question 7

i have a viral uri. i keep getting spells where i feel hot, feverish, and clammy, but when i check my temp it's normal. what could cause this?

Accepted Answer

Mgt: A typical viral upper respiratory illness lasts about 10 days.  I would suggest checking your temperature and noting the reading, keep well hydrated and rest. If the symptoms persist, please see your PCP.

Question 8

can cough, greenish yellow phlegm/mucus and head/ear congestion persist for awhile after a viral uri? feel better except for these things. no fever.

Accepted Answer

See doctor: as you may have a bacterial infection tat is not clearing up.

Question 9

having mild itchy throat with clear mucous and cough when i talk a lot or sing after a viral uri that included symptoms of runny nose and sore throat. its almost 4 weeks now all symptoms gone except cough when i talk a lot how long will this last?

Accepted Answer

: Hi: 
It is not uncommon to have a lingering cough, I've seen it last as long as 6 to 8 weeks.  However, if you have fever, trouble breathing, colored/increased/thickened sputum with the cough, you should see a doctor to rule out pneumonia.

Question 10

i have a bad cold. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Increase: fluids, rest, and you could take some vitamin C but there's the old saying...if you take large amounts of Vitamin C the cold will last for seven days and if you do nothing it will last a week!......ZINC preparations seem to help (there are a number available over the counter) but remember the above "saying"
BE Well!
Dr Z

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Bad colds

A member asked:

I get bad colds at least 8 times a year. how can i improve my immune system?

A member asked:

We have mold in our building i have been sick on and off this school year from sinuses, bad colds and coughs to strep is mold the reason for this?

A member asked:

Since october, i've become sick a total of seven times. most were bad colds, and once in december i had strep throat. tips on improving immunity?

A member asked:

Hi im on birth control pills.. is it ok to take neozep? i really have bad colds.. neozep contains phenylephrine hcl chlorphenamine maleate paracetamo

A member asked:

What's a viral uri?

A member asked:

How long is a viral uri contagious?

A member asked:

I have a viral uri. i keep getting spells where i feel hot, feverish, and clammy, but when i check my temp it's normal. what could cause this?

A member asked:

Can cough, greenish yellow phlegm/mucus and head/ear congestion persist for awhile after a viral uri? feel better except for these things. no fever.

A member asked:

Having mild itchy throat with clear mucous and cough when i talk a lot or sing after a viral uri that included symptoms of runny nose and sore throat. its almost 4 weeks now all symptoms gone except cough when i talk a lot how long will this last?

A member asked:

I have a bad cold. what should i do?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?