People often do not need medical intervention to manage mild respiratory illnesses. However, when symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to know when to go to urgent care for coughs, colds, and flu in San Antonio, TX.
At Alamo City Urgent Care, we specialize in comprehensive care for common respiratory illnesses, ensuring you get the care you need to feel better fast.
Understanding a Persistent Cough
Coughing is a common symptom of cold and flu illnesses and typically resolves within a few weeks. However, a persistent cough lingers for an extended period (several weeks or months) and occurs frequently throughout the day and night, disrupting sleep and daily activities.
The severity of a persistent cough can vary from mild to severe and worsen with certain activities such as talking, laughing, or physical exertion. It may also indicate an underlying health issue that requires urgent medical attention.
When to See a Doctor for a Cough
Coughing is a normal side effect of the average cold or flu—but sometimes a cough can lead to other uncomfortable or worrisome symptoms and require a doctor’s help.
If you cough up blood, find it challenging to talk and walk, experience severe dehydration, have temperatures over 100.4° Fahrenheit, or have been coughing and wheezing for three weeks or more, seek prompt medical attention.
Out skilled urgent care for coughs, colds, and flu in San Antonio, TX, is ready to help with fast, safe, and effective treatment.
Watch for these worsening, unexpected, or severe symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Incontinence
- Nosebleeds
- Fractured ribs
- Fever
- Fatigue and sleepiness
- Discolored discharge when coughing
- Chest pain that worsens when coughing
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Sometimes, a cough is more than just a cough. Don’t ignore these symptoms, as they can be a warning sign of more severe health problems.
What Is the Outcome if Left Untreated?
If left untreated, a dry, heavy, persistent cough can lead to painful side effects, such as:
- Severe chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Damaged throat
- Fractured ribs
- Damaged lungs
Seek urgent care for a proper diagnosis and treatment so you can avoid these issues and get the medication you need to heal.
A persistent cough is a common symptom of colds and flu viruses. Here’s how you tell the difference between these two illnesses and information about when to go to urgent care for cough, cold, and flu symptoms in San Antonio, TX.
Common Cold Symptoms
Common cold symptoms include:
- Cough
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Mild head and body aches
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Mild chills
- Slight pressure in the face and ears
When to See a Doctor for a Cold
If you have been struggling with cough and cold symptoms that aren’t getting better with over-the-counter medications and at-home treatments for three weeks or more, you might have an upper respiratory infection. Here’s when to go to urgent care for a cold:
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- A fever (100.4° F or higher)
- A weakened immune system
- Persistent night sweats
- A cough that is interfering with your daily activities or sleep
While cold and flu symptoms overlap, there are a few key differences. Next, we share those differences and when to seek urgent care.
Flu Symptoms
Common flu symptoms include:
- A fever (100.4° F or higher) that comes on suddenly
- Severe head and body aches
- Muscle aches and pain
- Fatigue and weakness that is often extreme
- Dry, persistent cough
- Chills and sweats
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
- Runny or stuffy nose (though less common than with a cold)
- Sore throat (though less common than with a cold)
When To Go to Urgent Care for Flu
Often, flu symptoms can be safely managed at home without medical intervention, but sometimes lingering or worsening symptoms can leave you wondering, “Should I go to the doctor for the flu?”
If you or a loved one is part of a high-risk population (e.g., young children, adult over 65, pregnant woman, or someone with an underlying health condition like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) or your flu symptoms aren’t improving after a few days, your illness could be progressing into something more severe, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infection
- Ear infection
For a prompt and accurate diagnosis, including a rapid flu test service, visit your nearest urgent care for coughs, colds, and flu in San Antonio, TX.
Get Rapid Relief for Cough, Cold and Flu Symptoms at Alamo City Urgent Care
If you or a loved is experiencing persistent or worsening cough, cold or flu symptoms, visit Alamo City Urgent Care for prompt urgent care treatment.
Our professional medical staff will quickly assess your symptoms and begin a course of treatment, if needed, to help you feel better fast. You can book ahead to save time or simply walk into the location nearest you.
