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.
