Cold and Flu Treatment and Testing
Symptoms of the flu and the common cold can be very similar. But it's important to know the differences between the two, as the flu can lead to serious complications.
ContinuEM Urgent Care in Lakewood offers flu testing for accurate results so you can get proper treatment right away, if needed.
Book your next visit today.
Diagnosing Cold and Flu Symptoms
Colds and flu can share many of the same symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses and there are some key differences.
Common Flu Symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
Onset of Symptoms:
Flu symptoms usually come on quickly and tend to be more severe than a cold. You may feel very tired and fatigued.
Did you know?
Fever and chills are more common with the flu.
Common Cold Symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Fatigue
Onset of Symptoms:
Colds have a more gradual onset of symptoms than the flu and tend to be more mild. You can have fever, chills, fatigue, and headache. But those are less common with a cold and more common with the flu.
Did you know?
You are most likely to have a stuffy or runny nose when you have a cold.
When Should I See A Doctor About A Cold?
The acute symptoms of a cold typically last 7-10 days. While most colds are mild and can be treated at home, there are some instances where you should see a doctor:
- If your symptoms are strong from the beginning and don’t seem to be improving.
- Symptoms that last for more than 10 days or seem to be worsening.
- Fever/chills that last for more than a few days.
- If you have pain or tightness in your chest, shortness of breath, or pain when breathing, see a doctor right away as this could be a sign of pneumonia.
You know your body best and if something feels different from when you normally get sick, trust your gut and see a doctor in person or virtually.
Should I Get A Flu Shot?
When it comes to the flu, prevention is key. The single best way to avoid getting the flu is to make sure you get your flu shot. Flu season typically runs between fall and winter. To maximize your protection, it’s best to get your flu shot at the beginning of each flu season. The CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get an annual flu shot. There are rare exceptions, so talk to a doctor if you have concerns.
Getting your annual flu shot is the best way to protect you and your loved ones during flu season.
Make an appointment today to get your flu shot at ContinuEM - we'll make it as easy as possible.
Flu Testing and Treatment at ContinuEM Urgent Care in Lakewood
If you have the flu, getting proper treatment right away is important. It can be difficult to distinguish between a cold and the flu. That’s why it’s best to see a doctor if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. A flu test is the most reliable way to know whether you have a head cold or the flu.
At ContinuEM, we offer flu testing with quick, accurate results so you can start treatment immediately if you test positive for the flu.
We treat the flu with antiviral medications that can lessen your symptoms and shorten the duration of your illness. These medications are best taken within 1-2 days after the onset of symptoms.
Getting a flu test and proper treatment may be faster at ContinuEM than getting in to see your primary care provider or waiting for hours at a typical urgent care.
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Our goal is to provide urgent medical care to anyone in the area in their time of need at a cost that is right for them.
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