Cold and flu
Urgent care is equipped to treat cold and flu symptoms, as well as diagnose whether they are more minor in nature or potentially something more serious, such as COVID-19. Common symptoms include body aches, chills, cough and sore throat.
Diagnosis and care for cold and flu
We know illness can disrupt crucial moments, so helping you get better as quickly as possible is our top priority.
Although colds are often confused with the flu, they are different. Specialists at CareNow® urgent care know how to identify and treat both the common cold and flu so you can get on the road to recovery.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Cold and flu services at our clinics
Whether you are experiencing the common cold or flu symptoms, we can provide the compassionate support and treatments your body needs to heal.
Symptoms of the common cold
Lasting up to two weeks, cold symptoms include:
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Fever
- Headaches and body aches
- Post-nasal drip
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Tiredness
Treatments for the cold
Antibiotics can't treat a viral cold. You can use over-the-counter medications as directed to relieve your symptoms, such as runny nose, congestion and aches.
Colds are generally no reason for concern, but they can cause complications if you have a weakened immune system or respiratory conditions.
Flu symptoms
The flu usually lasts one to two weeks. The most common symptoms include:
- Chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Stomach problems, such as pain, nausea and diarrhea
You may feel tired, weak or achy if you have a fever. Chills or night sweats are also common symptoms of a fever.
Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body, meaning you may be able to infect other people before symptoms develop.
You are also likely to spread the virus for up to five to seven days after becoming sick. This means you may be able to pass the flu to someone else before you know you are sick.
It's even likely you can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms at all.
You may reduce your chances of becoming sick by getting your annual flu shot.
How is flu tested and treated?
To determine if you have the flu or not, your provider may administer a diagnostic flu test. They will swab the back of your throat (or inside your nose) with a cotton swab. The swab is then tested in the clinic by your provider. Some rapid tests can detect the flu in 15 minutes or less, and some tests identify the specific influenza strain or type that is causing the infection.
Prescription antiviral drugs can shorten the duration of the flu. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications.
Flu symptoms can lead to serious complications. The single best way to protect you and your family against the flu is to receive an influenza vaccine on an annual basis.
Flu prevention
Preventing the flu virus can be difficult since it's so easily spread by coughing, sneezing or talking.
You can even get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, vaccine experts recently agreed that everyone over the age of six months should be vaccinated to prevent major outbreaks.
While getting the flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways for everyone to stay clear of the virus, it is especially important for:
- Children older than 6 months
- The elderly
- Pregnant women
- People who work in healthcare
- Those with certain chronic health problems
- Those with weak immune systems
The flu virus is easily transmitted through close contact with an infected person, which includes dirty hands.
If you get sick, covering your mouth and your nose with a tissue rather than with your bare hands will keep others from getting sick. Don't forget to wash your hands after coughing into them.