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Cold or Flu

The common cold causes congestion, sore throat, and sneezing. Both colds and flu can cause cough, headache and chest discomfort. While flu season usually has the most cases, the flu can occur any time of the year. Seek help from an urgent care to help relieve your symptoms and start feeling better.

Cold and Flu Symptoms

Cold or flu complications are usually minor and include bronchitis, sinus pressure, and sinus infection. Influenza (aka the Flu) is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is more likely to cause high fever, body aches, fatigue, and weakness when compared to common colds though. Complications include bronchitis and pneumonia.

Flu is spread by inhaling droplets in the air containing the flu virus, sharing drinks or eating utensils, or handling items touched by a person infected with the flu after gaining entry through the eyes, mouth, or nose.

The flu vaccine, hand washing or hand sanitizer can be an important prevention method of both colds and flu. Symptoms begin 1-4 days after infection with the flu virus. Those most susceptible include pregnant women, infants, elderly, and those with chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease and HIV.

Fever with Cold and Flu

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fever is a symptom, not a disease on its own. A reaction from your body’s immune system, it is the immune response to infection and illness and helps the body fight against invading organisms. Most healthy children and adults can tolerate a fever of 103-104 °F for short periods without problems. Viral infections (cold/flu) and bacterial infections (urinary tract infections/pneumonia) often cause a fever. Fever that begins after travel in other countries needs to be evaluated by a doctor as this allows exposure to other diseases. Frequent/recurring fever (3 or more times in 6 months 7 days apart/fever 48 hours apart) should also be evaluated by a doctor as well.

Protecting Yourself and Others

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help slow down the spread of a cold or flu. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Regular handwashing is critical to protecting yourself and others because viruses can survive on your hands.

When Should I Seek Help for Cold and Flu Symptoms?

The common cold can often be treated with over-the-counter medicines. However, recurring cold and flu symptoms that do not go away within a few days mean that you likely need more intensive medicines or cold and flu treatment. A minor runny or stuffy nose may not be a reason to rush to an urgent care center to seek help from a medical professional, but upper respiratory infection issues, fever or dizziness means you likely need help sooner rather than later.

Why Choose Urgent Care for Cold or Flu?

An urgent care center can be the best place to accurately diagnose your cold or flu and learn about the best way to treat your symptoms. If your illness is minor, then you may have concrete instructions on how to start feeling better, sooner. If the problem is worse, a trip to urgent care can help accurately determine your issue and get you the treatment you need, sooner.

Contact Us Now

Manatee Urgent Care, located in Bradenton, Florida, is open seven days a week with convenient daytime and evening hours for patients needing urgent care treatment. Manatee Urgent Care’s team of medical professionals are here to help with your cold or flu.

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