Urgent Care for Cold & Flu Treatment in Riverview, FL

This infectious disease, primarily caused by various types of viruses, such as the rhinovirus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza virus, can be easily contracted through airborne transmission and direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces.

Once these viruses enter your body, they infiltrate the cells lining your nose and throat, triggering an immune response that results in symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, cough, and sneezing. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are your body’s way of trying to expel the virus and repair damaged tissues.

At Quality Urgent Care in Riverview, we recognize that the common cold is often more frequent during the colder months, not necessarily due to the cold weather, but because people tend to stay indoors more, increasing the chance of the virus spreading. Certain factors can increase your risk of catching a cold, such as age, a weakened immune system, stress, and lack of sleep. We also understand that individuals with a weakened immune system, particularly children under the age of six, are more susceptible to this illness.

In most cases, the common cold is a self-limiting illness, with symptoms subsiding within a week. However, complications can arise in the elderly, young children, or those with underlying health conditions, leading to bacterial infections like pneumonia or bronchitis, or the exacerbation of chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.

Quality Urgent Care of Riverview is dedicated to providing excellent care and resources for our patients. We understand how difficult it may be to tell the difference between a cold and the flu. Both of these frequent ailments share similar symptoms, but they also have distinguishing characteristics that can aid in their distinction.

A cold, which is a common respiratory infection, usually has a gradual onset, taking 2 to 3 days to appear after exposure to the virus. You might first notice a sore throat, followed by a runny or stuffy nose and possibly mild headaches. Although you might experience some fatigue and body aches, these symptoms are typically mild with a cold. If you notice severe or worsening symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention.

In contrast to the cold, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness that typically has more severe symptoms. These symptoms can include a high fever, severe body aches and chills, and extreme fatigue. Some people may also experience stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although flu symptoms can be similar to those of a cold, they usually come on quickly and can last up to two weeks.

At Quality Urgent Care, we understand the importance of identifying and treating these illnesses promptly, especially since the flu can lead to more serious complications like pneumonia in certain populations.

It is crucial it is to differentiate between a common cold and influenza (the flu). Both conditions share similar symptoms, but there are significant differences that can guide you.

Symptoms of a cold often present gradually, starting with a sore throat or a runny nose that worsens over a few days and usually lasts between 2-and 14 days. Conversely, the flu comes on suddenly, with symptoms manifesting within 24-48 hours, typically lasting around 5-10 days, although this can extend for some people.

Colds are generally milder, leading to minor discomfort such as sneezing, a runny nose, and a headache, including a dry cough, mild body aches, and nasal congestion. In comparison, the flu is more severe, causing considerable fatigue, aches, and fever, often leading to high fever that sustains for several days, severe body aches, and a productive cough.

While both conditions can cause a sore throat, it’s usually less severe in a cold and can cause significant discomfort with the flu. Furthermore, the flu can bring on other symptoms like weakness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, although these are less frequent. Nasal congestion can occur with the flu, but it’s not as severe as in a cold.

It’s also important to note that the flu is more common in children and the elderly, and adults aged 65 years and older, and those with chronic health conditions should receive an annual flu shot. The flu generally occurs during fall and winter, while colds can occur year-round.

More significantly, the flu can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia and hospitalizations, while complications from a cold are much less severe, usually resulting in sinus congestion or middle ear infection.

Symptoms can vary in severity and duration from person to person. At Quality Urgent Care, we encourage anyone unsure about whether they have a cold or the flu, or if symptoms persist for an extended period, to consult with our healthcare professionals for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

At Quality Urgent Care, we understand that while most people experience common symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, body aches, or mild fever when they are down with a cold or the flu, there are certain situations where these illnesses can escalate, requiring urgent medical attention.

It’s important to be aware of when is the right time to seek care for cold or flu symptoms. If you have a persistently high fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher, immediate medical attention is necessary. High fevers can lead to complications like seizures, or dehydration.

Severe or persistent vomiting also warrants immediate medical attention. The inability to keep fluids down could cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated.

Difficulty breathing or experiencing shortness of breath is a serious symptom that should not be ignored. This could be a sign of a more serious condition such as pneumonia or bronchitis, conditions that our medical experts can diagnose and treat.

Experiencing chest pain or tightness that does not improve with rest or coughing or feeling pain or pressure in the abdomen is a cause for concern. This could indicate heart-related issues or other serious conditions that require immediate evaluation by our medical professionals.

Moreover, if your symptoms persist and get worse instead of better after three to four days, it’s best to visit Quality Urgent Care. This could be a sign that your body is not able to fight off the virus on its own and our team can offer the necessary intervention.

We encourage individuals with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, to consider seeking urgent care at Quality Urgent Care in Riverview even for seemingly mild cold or flu symptoms. We also understand that young children and the elderly may require medical attention sooner than adults. We serve patients from Riverview FL, Bloomingdale FL, Brandon FL, East Tampa FL, Valrico FL, Durant FL, and Surrounding Areas!