Question 1

What is Common Cold?

Accepted Answer

The common cold is a viral respiratory infection affecting the nose, throat, and upper airways. It is caused by over 200 different viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses that spread through airborne droplets and direct contact. The Zinc blood test is the most important test for assessing nutritional factors that support immune function and may help reduce cold duration and severity.

Question 2

What causes the common cold?

Accepted Answer

The common cold is caused by viral infections, with rhinoviruses being responsible for approximately 30-50% of all cases. These viruses spread through airborne respiratory droplets when infected people cough or sneeze, and through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Other viral culprits include coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which attack the lining of your nose and throat, triggering your immune system to respond with inflammation that produces the familiar symptoms of congestion, runny nose, and sore throat.

Question 3

What is the best test for the common cold?

Accepted Answer

The Zinc blood test is the most important test for common cold because it measures zinc levels that play a crucial role in immune system function and response to viral infections. While there is no specific blood test to diagnose the common cold itself (diagnosis is based on symptoms), testing zinc levels can identify nutritional deficiencies that may prolong cold duration or worsen symptoms. Research shows that adequate zinc levels help support your body's natural antiviral defenses, and some studies suggest zinc supplementation may reduce cold duration by up to 33% when taken within 24 hours of symptom onset.

Question 4

When should I get tested for the common cold?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience frequent colds (more than 3-4 per year), have colds that last longer than 10-14 days, or notice that your symptoms are unusually severe. Testing zinc levels is particularly valuable if you have dietary restrictions that limit zinc intake (such as vegetarian or vegan diets), have digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption, or want to optimize your immune system before cold and flu season. Consider testing if you feel run-down frequently or want to understand whether nutritional deficiencies might be compromising your immune response.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of the common cold?

Accepted Answer

Common cold symptoms typically include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and mild body aches. You might also experience low-grade fever (more common in children), fatigue, watery eyes, and postnasal drip. Symptoms usually appear 1-3 days after exposure to the virus and peak around day 2-3, with most people recovering within 7-10 days. Unlike the flu, cold symptoms develop gradually rather than suddenly, and fever is usually absent or very mild in adults.

Question 6

Who is at risk for catching the common cold?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can catch a cold, but certain groups face higher risk including children under 6 years old (who average 6-8 colds per year), people with weakened immune systems, smokers, and those in close-contact environments like schools and offices. Your risk increases during fall and winter months when people spend more time indoors, and if you are stressed, sleep-deprived, or have nutritional deficiencies like low zinc levels. Healthcare workers and parents of young children also experience more frequent colds due to increased viral exposure.

Question 7

What happens if a common cold is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Most common colds resolve on their own within 7-10 days without treatment, but complications can develop in some cases. Untreated colds can progress to bacterial sinus infections (sinusitis), ear infections (otitis media), or bronchitis, especially in people with weakened immune systems or underlying respiratory conditions. In individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colds can trigger exacerbations requiring medical intervention. Children and older adults face higher risks of complications, making it important to monitor symptoms and seek care if they worsen or persist beyond two weeks.

Question 8

Can the common cold be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

The common cold cannot be directly diagnosed with a blood test because it is a clinical diagnosis based on your symptoms and physical examination. However, blood tests like the Zinc test can be helpful for assessing nutritional factors that affect immune function and recovery from colds. Blood work may also be used to rule out other conditions if your symptoms are atypical or severe, or to check for bacterial infections that sometimes develop as complications. Most healthcare providers diagnose colds based on symptoms like runny nose, congestion, and sore throat without requiring laboratory testing.

Question 9

How is the common cold treated?

Accepted Answer

Common cold treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting your body's natural healing process since antibiotics do not work against viruses. Rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications like decongestants, pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen), and cough suppressants can help manage symptoms. Zinc lozenges taken within 24 hours of symptom onset may reduce cold duration, while vitamin C, honey (for cough), and saline nasal rinses provide additional relief. Most colds resolve within 7-10 days without prescription medications, though you should see a doctor if symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks.

Question 10

How can I prevent the common cold?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent the common cold by practicing good hand hygiene, washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoiding touching your face. Maintain a healthy immune system through adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly), balanced nutrition rich in zinc and vitamin C, regular exercise, and stress management. Avoid close contact with sick individuals, disinfect frequently-touched surfaces, and consider taking zinc supplements during cold season if your levels are low. Do not share utensils, drinks, or personal items with others, and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth where viruses can enter.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with the common cold?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies that help with cold symptoms include drinking warm liquids like herbal tea with honey and lemon to soothe your throat and loosen congestion. Zinc lozenges or supplements taken at the first sign of symptoms may reduce cold duration, while vitamin C (500-1000 mg daily) supports immune function. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, gargle with warm salt water for sore throat relief, and try elderberry extract which has antiviral properties. Getting extra rest, staying well-hydrated with water and broths, and consuming chicken soup (which has mild anti-inflammatory effects) also support recovery naturally.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Common Cold Blood Test

What is Common Cold?

What causes the common cold?

What is the best test for the common cold?

When should I get tested for the common cold?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask AI