Wondering when to visit urgent care near you for cold or flu? Find out the signs that require medical attention at our urgent care clinic. Walk-ins welcome.

Strolling around the peaceful Fountain City Park or fishing at the historic Fountain City Lake can be refreshing but developing cold or flu symptoms can ruin your day. Visit your local urgent care for fast relief and get back to enjoying Knoxville’s hidden gems.

Colds and the flu are both common illnesses, especially during the colder months. While most people recover at home with rest and over-the-counter medications, there are times when it’s important to see a doctor for proper treatment. Knowing when to seek medical care can prevent complications and help you feel better faster.

Visit AFC Fountain City today.

What’s the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu?

Both colds and the flu share some similar symptoms, but the flu is generally more severe. Understanding the distinction can help you decide whether you need to seek medical attention from your local urgent care.

• Cold symptoms: Typically mild, including a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, mild cough, and a sore throat.
• Flu symptoms: Sudden onset of high fever, chills, body aches, headaches, severe fatigue, and a more persistent cough.

While colds tend to develop gradually and stay mild, the flu can hit hard and fast, potentially leading to complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis, especially in high-risk individuals.

Signs It’s Time to Get Professional Treatment for a Cold

In most cases, the common cold doesn’t require a visit to the doctor or urgent care. However, there are some situations where seeing a healthcare provider is the best course of action. Schedule a visit to AFC Fountain City if:

• Symptoms last more than 10 days: A lingering cold could indicate a bacterial infection, such as sinusitis, which might require antibiotics.
• You have a high fever: Colds typically don’t cause a fever. If your temperature is above 100.4°F, it could be a sign of the flu or another infection.
• You experience difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath or wheezing can signal a more serious respiratory issue.
• You notice severe sinus pain or ear pressure: These could be signs of a secondary infection like sinusitis or an ear infection, which often need medical treatment.

When to Get Professional Treatment for the Flu

The flu tends to be more intense than a cold, and in some cases, it can lead to serious health complications. It’s important to see a doctor early if you suspect the flu, especially if you are in a high-risk group, such as young children, the elderly, or individuals with chronic health conditions. You should seek medical care for the flu if:

• You have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Fever lasts more than three days: While flu fevers are common, prolonged fever may require medical attention.
• You experience chest pain or pressure: This could indicate pneumonia or another serious complication.
• Severe fatigue or dizziness persists: If your flu symptoms are leaving you too weak to function or you’re feeling lightheaded, it’s time to visit urgent care.
• Symptoms worsen after initial improvement: This could be a sign of a secondary infection, such as pneumonia, which may require antibiotics.

For those in high-risk groups, early treatment with antiviral medications can significantly reduce the duration and severity of the flu. Antivirals work best when taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, so seeking care quickly is key.

When to Visit AFC Urgent Care Fountain City

For cold or flu symptoms that don’t improve, getting evaluated at our urgent care can provide peace of mind. At AFC Urgent Care Fountain City, our team can quickly assess your symptoms, perform a flu test, and determine whether treatment, like antiviral medication or antibiotics, is necessary.

Urgent care is ideal for non-life-threatening symptoms that need medical attention, such as:

• Persistent fever or chills.
• Severe sore throat that doesn’t improve with home remedies.
• Dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea, especially common in children with the flu.
• Ongoing cough that won’t go away after a week or more.

How to Prevent Cold and Flu Complications

Prevention is the best way to avoid serious cold and flu symptoms. To lower your risk:

• Get the flu shot: Do this each year before flu season starts. It’s your best defense against flu complications.
• Wash your hands frequently: This is especially important after being in public or touching high-contact surfaces.
• Stay home when you’re sick: This will help avoid spreading illness to others and give your body time to rest.
• Keep your immune system strong: Make sure you are eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

Feeling Sick? Visit AFC Urgent Care Fountain City

If your cold or flu symptoms have you feeling worse than expected or aren’t improving with home care, don’t hesitate to stop by AFC Urgent Care Fountain City. Our skilled medical staff can evaluate your symptoms, provide testing, and offer the right treatment to help you recover faster. No appointment is necessary!