Urgent & Emergency Care for Flu, Cold & Sore Throat

When to See Us for Colds & Flus

Many of us lump colds and influenza, or the flu, together, in part because they share a number of symptoms. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that they’re two different conditions. Colds are usually milder, come on slowly, and go away gradually. Flus typically come on more rapidly and are of greater severity. In some cases, the flu can turn life-threatening, especially when it transforms into pneumonia. If you’re young and generally healthy, the flu is likely to be unpleasant but not a major health risk. If you’re older with comorbidities such as obesity or diabetes, the flu can be considerably more dangerous (and similar to COVID-19 in this regard).

What Are Symptoms of the Flu?

• Flu symptoms include:
• All-over achiness
• Dry cough
• Headaches
• High fever (100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or above)
• Hot flashes followed by cold chills
• Nasal or sinus congestion
• Sore or irritated throat
• Weakness and fatigue.

Will I Get the Flu?

Just about anyone is capable of coming down with the flu. It tends to be highly contagious and is spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing. High season for the flu is winter when people stay indoors to avoid the cold and spend more time trading pathogens among themselves. Flu viruses mutate regularly, so it’s difficult to predict what form they’ll take from year to year. Flu shots have proven preventive, at least in some cases.

If you have the flu and it takes a turn for the worse, see us at Baptist Health ER & Urgent Care.