Katarzyna Lalicata, MSN, FNP-C, FNP-BC

The symptoms associated with colds, most commonly congestion, coughing, sneezing, and sore throats, are the body's response when a virus exerts its effects on the immune system. Cold symptoms peak at about 1 to 2 days and last 7 to 10 days but can last up to 3 weeks.

Prompt evaluation and initiation are essential to help decrease the possibility of transmission.

Physical examination of patients presenting with symptoms should include the cervical spine, lower and upper extremities, and rheumatoid nodules.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include chest tightness, mucus production, a low fever, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, can cause chills, clumsiness, and nightmares.

Although melanoma is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell cancer, it is aggressive by comparison because of its ability to spread quickly.

Sore throat, strep throat, and tonsillitis are often used interchangeably when presenting to a clinic, though they are not the same thing.

Dry mouth can result from autoimmune diseases, chronic medical conditions, increased levels of stress, medications, methamphetamine abuse, nervousness,2 radiation treatment, and smoking.

Although more prevalent in the duodenum, gastric ulcers have become more common, secondary to use of low-dose aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Patients with seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, routinely come to convenient care clinics seeking resolution of symptoms.

Convenient care clinics (CCCs) provide a cost-effective alternative when primary care providers are unable to accommodate a patient with a last-minute appointment or provide treatment for an acute illness.