Urgent care for cold and flu treatment

The common cold or flu can leave you feeling under the weather. Our urgent care centers are here 365 days a year to help you feel better from the cold or flu. Find your closest center, walk in or save your spot online to get started. 

3206 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123

3331 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213

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Cold and flu symptoms

Achy, fever, coughing and sneezing? You’re likely experiencing upper respiratory infection symptoms, but is it a cold, the flu or COVID-19? It can be hard to tell. Symptoms of any of these respiratory illnesses could include:

  • Body or muscle aches
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

Each of our centers is equipped to evaluate flu and cold symptoms in adults and children in order to provide the diagnosis and treatment needed. Visit one of our centers or schedule a Virtual Urgent Care visit for the same great care from home. We are here for you 365 days a year, seven days a week.

Difference between cold, flu and COVID-19

Are you experiencing cold symptoms? Or are they flu symptoms? What is the difference between a cold and the flu? What about COVID-19, which can also have similar symptoms to other respiratory illnesses? 

The common cold, the flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses. A number of different viruses generally cause colds, whereas the flu is only caused by the influenza A or influenza B viruses. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19. While many cold and flu symptoms may overlap, some important distinctions exist between these common upper respiratory infections.

The only way to know which of these viruses you have is to test for a specific virus. While there is no specific test for a common cold, you can be tested for the flu or COVID-19. Your healthcare provider will help determine if you should be tested and what the best care plan will be for your specific symptoms and condition.

COVID-19

COVID-19 also has symptoms similar to colds or influenza, which makes it even more important to see a healthcare provider to assess your symptoms. A COVID-19 test is the safest bet when it comes to cold and flu symptoms, as the level of symptom severity depends on the individual.

Influenza

The flu may have similar symptoms, but they are usually more severe. You may experience a fever, extreme fatigue, sore throat and severe body aches with the flu. Complications from the flu can be more severe than a cold, potentially resulting in hospitalization or even death.

Common cold

A cold is generally milder than the flu. Symptoms are frequently concentrated in the head and nose, such as a headache or runny nose. While fever is common in children with colds, it should generally not be present in adults, and its presence should prompt medical evaluation.

Cold and flu treatment for children

Kids get sick with colds and flu more often than adults because their immune systems are still growing, and they spend lots of time around other children. While symptoms are similar for all ages, kids are more likely to have vomiting or diarrhea with these illnesses.

Seek emergency care right away if your child:

  • Is extremely tired or has no energy

  • Has a fever over 102°F for 3+ days (or 105°F at any time)

  • Isn’t urinating enough (fewer than 3 wet diapers/day)

  • Has trouble breathing or “sucking in” between ribs

For milder symptoms, visit urgent care for evaluation. At home:
✔ Give plenty of rest and fluids
✔ Use a humidifier or honey (for kids over 1) to soothe coughs
✔ Only use children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) for fevers – never adult cold medicines
✖ Avoid ibuprofen for babies under 6 months
✖ Always follow dosage instructions

Cold and flu medicine to have on hand

There’s no cure for colds or the flu, but over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can help relieve symptoms. Since these medications only provide temporary relief—not a treatment for the virus itself—here are a few you may want to keep at home during cold and flu season:

Antihistamines: Cetirizine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, loratadine

Cough suppressants: Dextromethorphan

Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine

Pain relievers/fever reducers: Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen

(614) 318-2687

3206 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123

3331 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213

info@imedurgentcare.com