Cold and Flu Treatment at Insight Urgent Care in Houston, TX

The symptoms of the flu and cold can often be much the same. The first difference has to do with the onset of the symptoms, with the flu symptoms coming on quickly and the cold, gradually. The flu will often include a fever and the cold rarely. The flu will more likely have chills and a headache that the cold will not generally have. Other symptoms include cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and tiredness can be a part of both the cold and flu. It is more common to have a stuffy or runny nose with a cold than with the flu.

The cold and the flu are very contagious respiratory sicknesses. While they can be similar in symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. The flu is caused by a number of influenza viruses. Colds come from a number of viruses, such as parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and seasonal coronaviruses. These are not to be confused with the virus that causes COVID-19.

The flu and the cold have similar symptoms. Because of this, it can be hard to tell which one you have based on the symptoms. The flu tends to make you feel worse than a cold will. The symptoms are generally more intense and they will come on more abruptly. The cold is generally milder. The cold will have a stuffy or runny nose as symptoms more often than the flu. Colds do not tend to lead to serious health problems, such as bacterial infections, pneumonia, or hospitalizations. The flu has the potential to lead to more serious complications.

There are things you can do to limit your resin of getting a cold or flu. If you do get it, there are things you can do to lessen the symptoms.

Taking steps to protect your health and the health of others is the most important. Clean your hands often by washing or using hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs. Eat good foods, get plenty of rest and stay active as these will boost your immune system.

If you need to cough or sneeze, do it into your elbow to prevent the spread of germs. Use antibacterial soaps and cleansers to prevent the spread of germs, especially on table tops and countertops or any other areas that are frequently touched.

If you are sick stay home. Please try to stay away from people who are at greater risk of developing complications from getting sick.

Another way to help prevent getting the flu is to get the annual vaccine. It may not always prevent you from getting sick, but if you do get the flu, it can be milder.

If your cold or flu has lasted for longer than seven days, it is time to see a doctor. If you have a cough that includes yellow or green mucus, are feeling weak, or have a high fever it is time to visit your doctor or urgent care clinic. They can determine what the right treatment is needed to get your health back. Allowing these to progress can lead to serious illness.

Urgent care clinics can be a wonderful option for non-life-threatening health concerns. They often offer walk-in services and are often available when your primary care physician isn’t. Insight Urgent Care provides services to deal with the common cold and the flu. Call us today to book an appointment with our experienced doctors, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 13421 Westheimer Road, Suite D, Houston, TX 77077. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Houston TX, Bellaire TX, Galena Park TX, Hedwig Village TX, Pasadena TX, Jacinto City TX, Aldine, and surrounding areas!