Understanding seasonal symptoms: A cold, the flu or allergies?
It's that time of year again. The season when every sneeze or cough makes you pause and wonder if you merely have allergies, a cold or the flu. All three can leave you feeling wiped out, but they don’t look or act the same. They each come with different starting points, different timelines and different ways to treat them.
Sometimes symptoms are mild enough that rest, fluids and a few quiet days at home are all you need. Other times, the symptoms linger or cause more discomfort and it’s worth visiting with a healthcare professional to be sure. At CareNow® urgent care, we can test, diagnose and provide treatment to help you feel better fast.
Common cold symptoms
The common cold is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Most colds begin with a sore throat that clears up within a day or two. Soon after, nasal symptoms like runny nose, congestion and sneezing set in. A mild cough often follows by the fourth or fifth day. You may run a slight fever, but many people don’t.
Colds usually last about a week or less. Keep in mind that with colds, you’re most contagious in the first two to three days of having the virus. Make sure to rest, stay hydrated and avoid contact with others when possible. It's important to remember that antibiotics aren’t useful for colds or flu, since they are caused by viruses.
Flu symptoms
Influenza, also known as the flu, is another contagious viral respiratory illness. Influenza viruses spread year-round, but flu season tends to peak in the late fall and winter months. The flu tends to come on suddenly and hits harder than a cold or allergies. Signs include:
- Fever and chills
- Body and muscle aches
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
Symptoms usually improve within five to seven days, though fatigue can linger. The flu can also sometimes lead to complications like pneumonia, especially for older adults, young children or people with chronic conditions. Therefore, it's important to seek care right away if you have shortness of breath, chest pain or worsening symptoms.
Prevention matters: Get your flu shot
The best defense against the flu is getting vaccinated before peak season. A flu shot helps your body build protection and can reduce both the severity and duration of illness if you do get sick.
With convenient flu shots, CareNow® urgent care clinics are making prevention easier. Walk in or use our convenient Web Check-In® to wait from anywhere.
Allergy symptoms
Unlike colds or flu, allergies aren’t caused by viruses — they’re your body’s immune response to triggers like pollen, dust or pet dander. Allergy symptoms often include:
- Sneezing fits
- Runny or itchy nose
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Congestion that lasts weeks rather than days
If symptoms show up at the same time every year or don’t clear up after a week, allergies may be the culprit. CareNow can help with testing and treatments so you can breathe easier.
When to visit urgent care
If your symptoms aren’t improving after a few days, seem to be getting worse or you're experiencing things like a high fever, persistent cough or body aches, it might be time to visit your nearest CareNow urgent care clinic. Urgent care can be a smart choice when you need quick answers about what’s causing your symptoms.
It’s also helpful if you want to rule out other conditions like strep throat, sinus infections or bronchitis — which can feel similar but may require different treatment. And if you're simply looking for relief and guidance on how to recover safely, our team of healthcare professionals can help you get back on track.
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.