Diagnosing Colds vs. Flu at Our Urgent Care Clinic in St. Clair Shores, MI

Colds and flu can both cause misery in the form of nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat. However, a flu infection is potentially more serious than the common cold because, for some people, it can lead to complications that require hospitalization. Flu symptoms also tend to be more severe than cold symptoms, but there are medications that can help flu sufferers feel better faster.

If you’re experiencing flu-like respiratory symptoms and you’re in the St. Clair Shores, Michigan, area, you can seek an immediate diagnosis and treatment at Springfield Urgent Care. Our well-qualified medical practitioners are experienced at distinguishing the common cold from the flu, and we also have an on-site lab that allows us to perform virus testing to confirm your diagnosis—whether that turns out to be a cold, flu, or some other type of viral infection.

How to Tell a Cold From the Flu

There are many viruses and even bacteria that can cause respiratory symptoms similar to those of colds and flu. The most effective treatment will depend on getting an accurate diagnosis, and the surest way to tell what kind of respiratory infection you have is to visit our walk-in clinic. We’re open during extended hours seven days a week, and we treat patients of all ages, including infants.

In the meantime, here are a few general differences between colds and flu:

  • Flu symptoms generally come on fast and strong, while cold symptoms tend to build gradually and remain fairly mild.
  • A runny or stuffy nose is more common with a cold than with the flu.
  • You’re more likely to have a fever, chills, and body aches if you have a flu infection.

At Springfield Urgent Care, we know that no one likes getting sick. Frequent handwashing and staying a few feet away from others in social settings are good ways to prevent both colds and flu. However, getting your annual flu shot is the most reliable way to prevent a bout with influenza. You can count on our team to provide not only flu testing and treatment but also flu shots, and you don’t need to make an appointment.

For more information about the virus testing and flu treatment available at Springfield Urgent Care in St. Clair Shores, contact our friendly staff today.

What Patients Are Saying About Us

Springfield Urgent Care’s convenient and patient-focused approach to urgent care has earned us thousands of glowing reviews from patients throughout the communities we serve.

Rating
4.9
Rating
4.7
Rating
4.9

“By far the best Urgent Care I’ve ever been too. First, the employees are amazing and full of positivity. They know what they are doing and get stuff done. You actually feel safe there. I’ve never felt safe in an urgent care before from bad experiences until I walked into this one. I’m beyond grateful. I have to mention how beautiful and CLEAN the building is. If you need an urgent care go to this one you will not be disappointed.”

Ashley S.

“I don’t usually like going to any urgent care because of my bad experience BUT I love this Location. The staffs and the doctor are very nice and very friendly. One of the female nurses name Carrie. She is my favorite because she was nice and gentle when she was care for me. She also did my first Covid on my first visit there months ago. Thank You!!”

N.H.

“I rarely ever leave ratings of places, and don't think I've ever commented on one, if I have I don't remember doing so but this place is AMAZING!! I was in and out so fast. ALL of the staff was so nice and so efficient. The rooms are clean and the waiting room is so nice and clean and cute. They even have a coffee machine with options if hot chocolate, hot tea, coffee and even chicken broth which I thought was just so thoughtful!! I won't go anywhere else if I need an urgent care center!!”

Samantha K.
Clarkston

Clarkston

9749 Dixie Hwy Suite B
Clarkston, MI 48348

248.942.5888

Hours
8am - 8pm / Seven Days a Week
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Currently Waiting:
0

Highland

2116 S Milford Rd
Highland Charter Township, MI 48357

248.516.2300

Hours
9am - 9pm / 7 days a week
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Currently Waiting:
0

Hamburg

9547 Chilson Commons Circle
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

810.256.6678

Hours
9am - 9pm / 7 days a week
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Currently Waiting:
0

White Lake

320 Town Center Blvd Suite C-101
White Lake, MI 48386

248.849.0365

Hours
9am - 9pm / 7 days a week
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Currently Waiting:
0

Saline

7025 E Michigan Ave
Saline, MI 48176

734.463.3616

Hours
9am - 9pm / 7 days a week
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Currently Waiting:
0

St. Clair Shores

21929 E. Nine Mile Rd
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

586.207.0956

Hours
8am - 8pm / 7 days a week
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Currently Waiting:
0

Clinton Township

43900 Garfield Rd. Ste 121
Clinton Township, MI 48038

586.868.2600

Hours
8am - 8pm / Seven Days a Week
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY

Saginaw

5889 Bay Road
Saginaw, MI 48604

989.301.9449

Hours
8am - 8pm / Seven Days a Week
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY

Clarkston

9749 Dixie Hwy Suite B
Clarkston, MI 48348

Directions

Highland

2116 S Milford Rd
Highland Charter Township, MI 48357

Directions

Hamburg

9547 Chilson Commons Circle
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

Directions

White Lake

320 Town Center Blvd Suite C-101
White Lake, MI 48386

Directions

Saline

7025 E Michigan Ave
Saline, MI 48176

Directions

St. Clair Shores

21929 E. Nine Mile Rd
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

Directions

Clinton Township

43900 Garfield Rd. Ste 121
Clinton Township, MI 48038

Directions

Saginaw

5889 Bay Road
Saginaw, MI 48604

Directions