Unsure if you need urgent care for a cold or flu? Learn the signs and when to seek help. Visit urgent care near you today—no appointment needed!

As the crisp fall air settles over Chattanooga, many residents find themselves battling coughs and congestion, unsure if they have a common cold or the flu. Whether you’re planning to enjoy a day at the Tennessee Aquarium or exploring the vibrant shops at Northshore, knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial for your health. Understanding the symptoms that warrant a visit to urgent care can help you make informed decisions and get back to enjoying all the beautiful sights our city has to offer.

Visit AFC Chattanooga today!

Understanding the Symptoms

When it comes to colds and flu, symptoms can often overlap, making it tricky to determine when you should seek medical attention. Colds usually present with milder symptoms, such as:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Mild cough
• Fatigue

On the other hand, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and may include:

• High fever
• Severe body aches
• Chills
• Extreme fatigue
• Headaches
• Dry cough

If you’re experiencing symptoms that feel particularly intense or are worsening over a couple of days, it’s a good idea to consider visiting our urgent care clinic.

Key Factors to Consider

Several factors can help you decide whether it’s time to seek care:

• Duration of Symptoms: If your symptoms have lasted more than 10 days without improvement, or if you notice a sudden escalation in severity, it might be time to consult a healthcare professional.
• Fever: While a mild fever is common with both colds and flu, a high fever (typically over 101°F) is more characteristic of the flu and may indicate a need for medical intervention.
• Difficulty Breathing: If you experience trouble breathing or chest pain, seek care immediately. This could be a sign of a more serious condition requiring prompt attention.
• Underlying Health Conditions: If you have chronic health issues, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, your risk for complications from the flu increases. In this case, it’s wise to seek medical advice early on.
• Vulnerable Populations: Infants, elderly adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems should be monitored closely. If they show signs of illness, it’s better to err on the side of caution and visit our urgent care clinic.

When to Seek Urgent Care

If you find yourself with flu-like symptoms and are unsure about your condition, visiting our urgent care facility can provide you with peace of mind. AFC Chattanooga offers quick access to healthcare without the need for an appointment. Here are a few scenarios that may mean you should consider visiting:

• Persistent Symptoms: If your cold symptoms linger for over a week without improvement, it’s worth having a healthcare provider evaluate your condition.
• Worsening Symptoms: If your initial cold symptoms have progressed to include high fever or severe fatigue, it’s a sign to get checked out.
• New Symptoms: If you start experiencing additional symptoms, such as shortness of breath, confusion, or chest pain, you should seek care immediately.

Treatment Options

At our urgent care clinic, our team of healthcare providers can assess your symptoms, provide appropriate testing (such as rapid flu tests), and recommend treatments tailored to your condition. For instance, if it’s determined that you have the flu, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

In the case of a cold, treatment often focuses on symptom relief, which may include over-the-counter medications, rest, hydration, and possibly some home remedies.

As the seasons change and the likelihood of catching a cold or flu increases, knowing when to visit our urgent care can make a significant difference in your recovery. By paying attention to your symptoms and understanding when they warrant professional evaluation, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your health. If you’re in the area and need assistance, don’t hesitate to visit AFC Chattanooga—we’re here to help you get back to enjoying everything our beautiful city has to offer!