When to Get Medical Help for Flu Symptoms?

The common cold and the flu share several symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, body aches, and a sore throat. Typically, the flu tends to cause more severe symptoms, such as a high fever, persistent body aches, and significant fatigue. If you’re feeling overwhelmingly tired and you have a fever, you likely have the flu.
 
In contrast, colds usually cause milder symptoms that develop over several days. Symptoms of the flu often hit suddenly and intensely. Colds typically resolve within a week, with the symptoms gradually improving. On the other hand, the flu can linger for a week or two, and it’s not unusual to feel fatigued and weak even after other symptoms subside.
 
In addition, the flu is preventable through vaccination. If you’ve recently had a flu shot, the severity and duration of your symptoms are often less intense. However, there’s no specific vaccine for the common cold.
 
If you’re uncertain about what’s causing your symptoms, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional, as they can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and the right care. By keeping up with hygiene practices, listening to your body, getting vaccinated, and prioritizing your health, you can stay healthy during the cold and flu season.

Yes, our urgent care center can swiftly test for flu strains to provide you with a prompt diagnosis. When you’re feeling sick, we offer a convenient way of assessing whether your symptoms are indicative of the flu. With a quick test, our healthcare professionals can identify the specific flu strain you are dealing with.
 
The convenience of urgent care extends beyond rapid testing. We also offer a range of services to address your immediate healthcare needs. From diagnostic evaluations to thorough treatment plans, our team is committed to delivering prompt and effective care.

You should seek treatment for the flu if you experience any of the following:
 
– Persistent or severe symptoms: If your flu symptoms persist or worsen over time, it’s recommended to seek medical attention. This includes prolonged fever, painful body aches, or a severe cough.

– Dehydration: Severe cases of the flu can lead to dehydration. If you’re unable to keep fluids down, experience extreme thirst, or have dark urine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to prevent further complications.

– Confusion or seizures: Flu complications can sometimes lead to severe symptoms. If you or a loved one experiences confusion or persistent vomiting, it’s time for a visit to urgent care. Additionally, seizures are considered a medical emergency, so it’s urged to visit an emergency room or call 911 if you or a loved one experience one.

– Difficulty breathing: If you have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you should receive immediate medical help, as these symptoms indicate respiratory distress.
 
In addition, those at a higher risk of flu-related complications, such as young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, should promptly seek a medical evaluation if they have the flu.

Urgent care doctors can prescribe antiviral medications to alleviate flu symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. These medications are most effective when taken early in the course of the flu. In addition, urgent care providers can recommend over-the-counter medications to manage flu symptoms.
 
In some cases, the flu can lead to complications, especially for high-risk individuals. Our urgent care staff can identify the signs of worsening symptoms or potential complications as well as address them promptly. Furthermore, urgent care centers provide a convenient alternative to emergency rooms, with lower costs and shorter wait times.
 
At our urgent care clinic, you can receive timely and comprehensive care for your symptoms without the need for an appointment! If you are feeling under the weather, our experts are here to help you feel better as quickly as possible. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve in Oklahoma City, OK. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, and Bethany OK.