Every year as the weather begins to cool, something else returns right along with it, cold and flu season. From September through mid-March, many people experience symptoms like coughs, sore throats, and congestion. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if it’s just a common cold or the flu.
According to Gerard Morris, Nurse Practitioner at Advance Community Health urgent care, Advance Axcess, understanding the difference can help you know when to manage symptoms at home and when it’s time to seek medical care. Knowing the symptoms and taking the right precautions can make a big difference in how you manage illness and how quickly you recover.
Understanding the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu
While colds and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, the way they develop, and the severity of symptoms are often very different.
“The serious symptoms especially with the flu come on more suddenly and they’re more intense,” Morris explains. “With a cold you might start with a sore throat, then coughing, then your nose starts running. It’s a longer duration. The flu comes on immediately.”
Typical flu symptoms include:
- High fever
- Body aches
- Shaking chills
- Severe fatigue
- Sudden onset of illness
“The flu just comes on like gangbusters with body aches, high fevers, and you just feel really bad,” Morris added.
Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Most colds and mild flu cases can be managed at home, but certain symptoms may indicate the need for medical attention. One of the biggest warning signs is a persistent high fever.
“If your fever is not going down after taking Tylenol or Motrin for four to six hours and it’s still 103 or 104 and trending upward, that’s concerning,” said Morris.
Other symptoms that may require medical care include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- A very productive cough
- Persistent high fever
- Symptoms that worsen instead of improving
“These symptoms may require additional medications like an antibiotic, steroid, or inhaler,” Morris explains.
People with certain health conditions may need to be especially cautious.
“If you have preexisting conditions like diabetes, asthma, COPD, or other breathing issues, even a simple cold can cascade into something much more serious,” said Morris.
What to Do When You First Start Feeling Sick
The first step when cold or flu symptoms appear is symptom management.
“For these viral illnesses, most treatments are over the counter like Tylenol, Motrin, cough medications, and nasal saline spray because everything usually starts in the nose,” said Morris.
It’s important to remember that these medications do not cure the virus. Two of the most important things you can do are rest and stay hydrated.
“Rest actually increases your immune system, and hydration keeps the body balanced,” he said.
How to Prevent and Protect Yourself from Getting Sick
While it’s not always possible to avoid illness completely, certain habits can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick or spreading viruses to others. According to Morris, some of the most effective prevention methods are simple.
“Handwashing and wearing masks are key,” he said.
Other helpful habits include:
- Washing your hands frequently
- Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Wearing masks in crowded or confined spaces
- Staying home when sick
Another important way to protect yourself during flu season is by getting your annual flu vaccine.
“The flu vaccine doesn’t prevent you from getting the flu, but it lessens the symptoms when you do get it,” Morris explains.
For people with underlying health conditions, this can be especially important.
“If you have other comorbidities like diabetes or asthma, you want those symptoms to be as minimal as possible.”
When to Visit Urgent Care
Many people are unsure when they should seek medical care for cold or flu symptoms. According to Morris, timing matters.
“A lot of times people come in after just a day or two of symptoms, and I’ll send them right back to the pharmacy to get over-the-counter medications because they haven’t tried anything yet,” he said.
However, if symptoms worsen or become severe, it may be time for an evaluation.
“People can easily come to Advance Axcess and get tested. We can rule out the flu. We can rule out COVID,” Morris explains.
Urgent care can also help rule out more serious conditions such as pneumonia.
Why Patients Choose Advance Axcess
“Here at Advance Axcess, we treat and care for all cold and flu cases. It’s normally the first stop a person will come, especially when symptoms start suddenly,” said Morris.
Patients who visit Advance Axcess can expect a thorough medical examination, point-of-care testing for flu or COVID, education about treatment and prevention, and guidance on over-the-counter medications. Another major benefit is convenience.
“Advance Axcess has the pharmacy right here. A person can come here, see the provider, and then go directly to the pharmacy to get their medications,” Morris explains. “Everything can be done in-house instead of leaving here and going somewhere else.”
Our urgent care team at Advance Community Health provides same-day care for cold and flu symptoms, including testing, evaluations, and guidance on the best treatment options for you. With on-site providers and a pharmacy available in the same location, you can get the care you need quickly and conveniently.
If you’re experiencing worsening symptoms or want to rule out the flu or COVID-19, visit Advance Axcess today and let our team help you feel better faster.
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