Although most flu and cold viruses typically resolve on their own, certain cases can linger and interfere with our day-to-day lives. Knowing flu and common cold symptoms, preventive tips and when to seek medical treatment can help minimize the transmission and effects.
Cold Vs Flu
How to Tell?
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| SYMPTOMS | COLD | FLU |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | Abrupt |
| Chills | Uncommon | Fairly Common |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usual |
| Cough | Mild to Moderate | Common |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
| Aches | Slight | Usual |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
** Cold & flu symptoms according to the CDC
Protecting Yourself and Others
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests taking preventive steps to minimize cold and flu risk for yourself and others. A flu vaccine can also be effective for lessening the symptoms of the flu.
Some helpful tips include:
- Create healthy hand washing habits. Effective hand washing requires at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Make sure to wash your hands before you eat or touch your hands, nose or mouth.
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Make sure to check the label of your hand sanitizer to ensure you are killing the germs. Most brands will include the alcohol content on the front of the bottle so it is easy to find.
- Cover up when you cough. Most colds and flu viruses are airborne, so covering your nose and mouth when you cough can limit the transmission of germy droplets.
- Boost your immune system. Vitamins like vitamin C can help your body fight off infection. Make sure to increase your daily intake of vitamin C, especially during cold and flu season. Good natural sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges and clementines, bell peppers, brussels sprouts and strawberries.
When Should I Seek Treatment for Cold and Flu?
Symptoms like minor runny nose or nasal congestion do not typically necessitate an urgent care visit. The common cold and many flu cases can often be treated with over-the-counter remedies. Nasal sprays can be particularly helpful in clearing nasal passages and decreasing flu activity.
However, if you experience recurring cold and flu symptoms that persist for more than a few days, you may need more intensive medication or cold and flu treatment. Constantly congested nose and sinuses can lead to sinus infections which may require an antibiotic to treat. Additionally, more severe symptoms like fever or dizziness can indicate a need for care sooner rather than later.
Why Choose Urgent Care for Cold or Flu?
The team at TexomaCare Urgent Care can quickly assess and treat your cold and flu symptoms, without the long wait in an emergency room or the hassle of scheduling with a primary care physician. Lingering colds and flu viruses can also develop into respiratory or sinus infections. Getting to an urgent care facility means getting the help you need when you need it.
Contact Us Now
TexomaCare Urgent Care, located in Denison, Texas, and Durant, Oklahoma, is open seven days a week with convenient daytime and evening hours for patients needing urgent care treatment. TexomaCare Urgent Care’s team of medical professionals is here to help with your cold or flu.
