Cold, cough, and flu are infections of the upper respiratory system and can be caused by over 200 different types of viruses. These infections (that affect the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs) vary in their causes and intensity of symptoms, with some infections becoming serious and needing professional medical attention.
Here is a guide to help you identify what type of infection you might have and what you can do about it.
Common Causes & Symptoms of a Cough, Cold, and Flu
A cough can be due to irritants such as allergens or lifestyle decisions such as smoking or could also be a symptom of seasonal flu (influenza), asthma, or bronchitis. A persistent cough is also a classic symptom of the COVID-19 virus.
A cold, characterized by a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, fatigue, sneezing, body aches, etc., is not life-threatening and usually runs its course in 7 to 10 days without the need for treatment.
Season flu (influenza) is a more serious infection that is not treatable with antibiotics and will also need to run its course in 7 to 10 days. Flu symptoms can increase to a level where professional care might be needed to help address and reduce the impact of symptoms. Additionally, some factors may make you more susceptible to the flu, such as age, weakened immunity and living/working conditions.
Common Causes & Symptoms of a Cough, Cold, and Flu
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of a viral infection:
- Fever of 100 degrees or more
- Chills
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Headaches
- Aching muscles
- Congestion
- Diarrhea
- Thick/dark mucus
- A sensation of pain/pressure around the ear, nose, and eyes
- Pain or pressure in the chest region
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Pain or stiffness in the neck
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Dizzy spells
- Disorientation
- Coughing up of blood
- Swollen glands
- Sensitivity to lights
These symptoms can also be indicative of a respiratory illnesses or condition, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, congestive heart failure, ear infections, immune deficiencies or infections requiring antibiotics. They can also be indicative of a more serious condition, such as the COVID-19 virus.
When you are not feeling well and experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to determine what infection your body is dealing with so a proper treatment plan can be started (if applicable). Visit your nearest urgent care center for diagnostic testing options to identify your illness and determine if treatment options are available.
Diagnostic and Treatment Options for Colds, Cough, and Flu
Prime Urgent Care is a leading urgent care provider in Houston, TX operating walk-in clinics in Pearland, Missouri City and Sugar Land. We have a team of highly trained and qualified medical professionals who utilize state-of-the-art, in-house diagnostic testing capabilities to quickly identify your condition so a customized treatment plan can be developed.
Prime Urgent Care offers diagnostic testing for:
- Flu (Influenza)
- COVID-19
When you schedule an appointment at one of our urgent care clinics, your visit with our team of medical professionals will involve:
- Professional assessment and evaluation of your symptoms
- Review of your health history and current condition
- Comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic testing (if needed) to understand the source of the condition
- Customized treatment plan (if applicable)
With cold, cough, and flu symptoms potentially mimicking other health conditions, diagnostic testing is the first step to determine the next course of action to get you feeling better quickly.
When do Colds, Coughs and Flu strike the hardest?
Many of these upper respiratory conditions have predictable seasonal patterns, such as seasonal influenza in the fall or late winter or seasonal allergies (such as cedar, oak, mold or grasses) through different seasons of the year. During periods when seasonal influenza cases rise significantly, your chances of catching it increase if you are exposed to large crowds, travel frequently or you work in schools or childcare centers.
If you have a weakened or compromised immune system due to age or medical history, it is even more important to identify the condition so a treatment plan can be implemented.
What are ways to manage symptoms of Cold, Cough & Flu?
There is no specific cure for the common cold/seasonal influenzas as these upper-respiratory infections do not respond to antibiotics. These infections usually run their course over a few weeks, although symptoms can be managed in the following ways:
- Consume a nutritious diet with plenty of fluids
- Get plenty of sleep
- Analgesics to reduce fever and pain
- Antihistamines or nasal steroids for sneezing and runny nose
- Decongestants for relieving a stuffy nose
- Expectorants or antitussives for cough
- Throat lozenges for sore throat
Keep in mind that vaccinations are usually effective against seasonal flu. Getting an annual flu shot can help reduce your chances of contracting that strain of flu or reducing the level of symptoms if contracted.
What are ways to manage symptoms of Cold, Cough & Flu?
FAQs
Can the flu be treated with antibiotics?
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as a cold or flu. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat, which has similar symptoms.
How long does it take to recover from the Cold or Flu?
The recovery time for a common cold or flu in a healthy adult is usually 7-10 days, but based on the severity could last upwards of 2-3 weeks
What do I need to know before getting a flu shot? Are they safe?
The flu shot is an annual vaccination that helps reduce the chances of getting the seasonal flu (influenza) and/or mitigating symptoms if contracted. Physicians recommend a seasonal flu shot every year, except in the following circumstances:
- Children under the age of 6 months
- Those with a previous history of allergic reactions to the vaccine
- Those with specific allergies
- Those with specific autoimmune disorders
You may or may not experience the following symptoms as a side effect of the annual flu shot:
- Low-grade fever
- Tenderness or swelling in the injection site
- Headache
- Chills
The flu shot can be administered as an injection or as a nasal spray. Speak to your physician at Prime Urgent Care to decide which one is recommended.
Prime Urgent Care
Prime Urgent Care is a provider of urgent care services in the Houston, TX-area with clinics in Pearland, Missouri City and Sugar Land. Our centers are open 7 days of the week with extended hours to serve you. We accept all major insurance providers and also provide self-pay options if you don’t have an insurance plan.
To schedule an appointment, call us today at 713-340-3111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment online. We can also provide conduct consultations completely online using our telemedicine option.
