Cold, flu, RSV, and other respiratory diseases tend to intensify in the winter. Knowing when to seek care can make sure you receive the desired treatment on time and minimize complications. This blog will help you understand when you need to go to urgent care for illness symptoms. For same-day general illness diagnosis and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. We can provide further guidance on prevention methods and treatment regimens so you can recover quickly and get back to enjoying the season. Just walk-in!
Identifying Common Winter Illnesses
Before diving into when to seek urgent care, it’s important to know the common illnesses that occur during the winter months.
1. Common Cold: One of the most frequent illnesses during the colder months, a cold causes symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and mild body aches. It’s usually mild and resolves within a week.
2. Influenza: The flu shares many symptoms with a cold but tends to be more severe. Fever, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms are very prominent with the flu. It can lead to complications especially in vulnerable populations.
3. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV primarily affects young children, causing symptoms similar to a cold but leading to more severe respiratory distress.
When to Consider Visiting Urgent Care
If you’re feeling weak or experiencing a stuffy nose, dry cough, or sore throat, it’s important to seek medical attention at an urgent care center. In addition, if you’re having body pain, you should visit urgent care. Seeing a medical professional when experiencing illness symptoms can help diagnose the problem and prevent it from becoming worse. If your illness has persisted for more than seven days, or the symptoms have become more severe, seek medical care.
Here are a few warning symptoms that indicate the need for medical attention:
- High Fever
- Difficulty Breathing
- Worsening Symptoms
- Dehydration
- Underlying Health Conditions
Get Same-Day Care at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove
While winter sniffles are a common occurrence, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. Knowing when to seek urgent care can aid in timely treatment and prevent complications, especially for vulnerable populations. As always, maintaining good hygiene practices, getting vaccinated, and taking proactive steps to stay healthy can go a long way in minimizing the impact of seasonal illnesses. Your health is a priority, so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice when needed– especially during the winter months! Visit AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove any day of the week with no appointment necessary.
