Treating cold and flu symptoms: How urgent care can help
When illness strikes, timing rarely works in your favor. It might start with a scratchy throat before a big holiday gathering, a fever on a busy workday or a cough that lingers long after it should have cleared. When you need care that’s fast, reliable and built around your needs, a visit to urgent care can be the right choice. At CareNow® urgent care, we make it easier to get high-quality healthcare for common illnesses, helping you feel better fast so you can get back to your routine.
Below are some of the most common illness-related reasons to visit urgent care and why CareNow is a trusted choice for families across the communities we serve.
Respiratory illnesses and sore throat
A sore throat can range from mildly irritating to intensely painful. When it becomes difficult to swallow, lasts longer than expected or is accompanied by a fever, then it’s smart to seek medical care. Colds, flu and upper respiratory infections can make everyday tasks overwhelming. CareNow offers rapid flu, COVID-19 and strep testing so you get answers and relief fast. For sore throats that accompany a fever or make swallowing difficult, our care teams can perform rapid strep tests and throat cultures to determine the best course of treatment. Whether you need supportive care or prescription treatment, we can help you recover quickly.
Persistent cough, ear and sinus pressure
Ear pain, sinus pressure and lingering coughs are common reasons to visit urgent care. These symptoms can signal infections or conditions like bronchitis or asthma flare-ups. CareNow providers diagnose the cause and offer treatment options so you can breathe easier and feel better fast.
Digestive and dehydration concerns
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration faster than you expect, especially during periods of increased illness in the community. Urgent care can help you determine whether your symptoms are likely caused by a virus, foodborne illness or another condition. Your care team at CareNow can also recommend the best next steps for hydration, recovery and symptom management. For more serious cases, we connect you seamlessly to higher levels of care when needed.
High-quality care from a trusted network
Because CareNow is part of the HCA Healthcare family, your urgent care visit connects you to one of the nation’s largest healthcare networks. This means:
- Should you need follow-up testing or specialty care, we can help streamline the transition
- Your provider has access to a broad network of medical resources
- Your care stays connected, coordinated and consistent
Many CareNow locations also hold accreditation from the Urgent Care Association, reflecting our commitment to safety, quality and patient experience. These accreditations reinforce our promise to offer care that goes beyond convenience and meets national standards for excellence.
Compassionate, personal care
Illness can disrupt your day and your peace of mind. That’s why our care teams focus on care that is both effective and compassionate. Our providers listen closely to your symptoms, answer your questions and guide you through your next steps with clarity and reassurance. Whether you’re dealing with your child’s fever or your own persistent cough, we want you to leave feeling supported and informed.
Urgent care is a smart first step
If you're deciding when to go to urgent care for illness, consider your situation and symptoms. Not every illness requires an ER visit, and waiting for a primary care appointment isn’t always possible. Urgent care bridges that gap by providing timely evaluation from trusted medical professionals. When you choose CareNow, you’re choosing a team dedicated to helping you feel better fast.
From colds and flu to sinus infections, sore throats, stomach issues, common winter illnesses and more, we’re here with convenient care, a strong network of support, and a commitment to high-quality healthcare.
When you’re under the weather, you deserve a place you can rely on. CareNow is ready when you need us.
Why choose CareNow® urgent care?
If you need convenient care after hours or on the weekend, consider visiting your local CareNow® urgent care clinic. With 225 locations throughout the country, we are ready to see you when you need it most. We offer comprehensive and accessible healthcare through our extensive clinic network, convenient Web Check-In® service and Virtual Visits, making us a dependable option for your medical needs. Visit the CareNow locations webpage to find a clinic near you.