Most mild respiratory illnesses resolve on their own, but when symptoms of a cold, flu, or cough linger or become more severe, it may be time to seek medical care.
Knowing when to visit urgent care for cold, flu, and cough treatment can significantly affect how quickly you recover and avoid complications.
At Alamo City Urgent Care, we provide fast, effective care for cough, cold, and flu symptoms in San Antonio. Whether you’re experiencing a persistent cough, high fever, or body aches, our walk-in clinics are here to help you feel better without the wait.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Understanding a Persistent Cough
A cough is a natural reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or infection, and it’s one of the most common symptoms associated with cold, flu, and cough illnesses.
In many cases, coughing subsides within a couple of weeks as the body recovers. However, a persistent cough that lasts for several weeks or even months can become disruptive and uncomfortable, especially when it interferes with daily activities, work, or sleep.
Persistent coughing may vary in severity. Some people experience mild, dry coughing fits that come and go, while others have intense coughing spells triggered by activities like talking, laughing, or physical movement.
You might also notice symptoms worsening at night or in specific environments.
While a lingering cough may be the tail end of a common cold or flu, it can also signal something more serious, like bronchitis, post-viral cough, asthma, or another underlying condition.
If your cough is not improving or worsening, seeking timely medical care is important.
When to See a Doctor for a Cough
While coughs are often a normal part of colds, flu, and cough illnesses, it’s essential to know when they become more than just a symptom.
If your cough persists for over three weeks or starts interfering with your ability to talk, sleep, or perform daily activities, it may be time to visit a provider for cold, flu, and cough treatment.
You should also seek medical care right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain that worsens when coughing.
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
- Severe fatigue or sleepiness.
- High fever (over 100.4° F).
- Persistent night sweats.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Headaches or vomiting.
- Nosebleeds or incontinence.
- Discolored mucus or phlegm.
- Fractured ribs from excessive coughing.
What Happens if a Persistent Cough Is Left Untreated?
Left untreated, a persistent cough can lead to complications like chest pain, throat irritation, rib fractures, or even lung damage.
If your cold, flu, or cough symptoms aren’t improving, visit Alamo City Urgent Care for prompt evaluation and relief.
Understanding a Common Cold and Its Symptoms
The common cold is a viral upper respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and sinuses. While usually mild, cold symptoms can still make you feel run down and disrupt your daily routine.
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
You might have an upper respiratory infection if you have struggled with cough and cold symptoms that haven’t improved with over-the-counter medications and at-home treatments for three weeks or more.
It’s time to go to urgent care for a cold if you have:
- 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.
A Look at the Flu and Its Symptoms
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It typically comes on suddenly, leading to moderate to severe symptoms that disrupt daily life.
Typical 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 the 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, visit your nearest Alamo City 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 one 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 walk to the nearest location.
