Cold & Flu

When you can’t manage cold and flu symptoms at home, you can get the medical attention you need without a long wait at Wylie Walk In Urgent Care. The medical team provide in-office testing to identify respiratory infections like the flu, strep throat, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses. They also personalize a care plan to relieve your symptoms and prevent the infection from getting worse. Call the Wylie, Texas, office today to schedule a cold and flu evaluation or book your appointment online.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

A cold and the flu are both contagious respiratory infections but result from different viruses. Both infections can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, but symptoms of the flu tend to be worse than those of a cold.

Flu symptoms also come on suddenly, while cold symptoms develop gradually over several days. Both infections can cause:

• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough

A runny nose is more common in colds. When you have the flu, you’re prone to fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue – symptoms that generally don’t show up with colds.

When should I get medical attention for cold and flu symptoms?

People with weak immune systems, including young children and the elderly, are at increased risk of health complications if they get the flu. These complications can be severe enough to require hospitalization to prevent respiratory problems and premature death.

Schedule an appointment at Wylie Walk In Urgent Care or visit as a walk-in if you have cold or flu symptoms that you can’t manage with over-the-counter medication. The team can initially meet with you online through telemedicine to assess your symptoms.

You also need a medical evaluation if your symptoms continue to get worse, even with home care, or if you have existing health problems made worse by cold and flu symptoms.

The providers offer in-office flu tests, strep throat tests, and COVID-19 tests to identify the virus you have. They also review your medical history and complete a thorough physical exam to assess your overall health.

How are cold and flu symptoms treated?

Because a cold and the flu are viral infections, antibiotics won’t clear them up. Instead, the Wylie Walk In Urgent Care providers will recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve fever, nasal congestion, cough, and other symptoms, so you can feel better.

If you have strep throat or respiratory problems caused by a bacterial infection, you’ll need prescription antibiotics to treat the infection.

You also need to rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. The providers might also recommend isolating away from others for several days to prevent the spread of the respiratory infection.

The providers can also manage severe symptoms of the flu virus and coordinate additional care you might need with a specialist or, when needed, a local hospital.

Call Wylie Walk In Urgent Care today to schedule a cold and flu evaluation, book an appointment online, or visit the office as a walk-in for urgent care.