Identifying the Key Symptoms of Cold, Flu, and COVID-19

At Apt Urgent Care, we understand the challenges in distinguishing between colds, the flu, and COVID-19, mainly because of the overlapping respiratory symptoms. However, differentiating their symptom profiles can help us provide the proper diagnosis and treatment.
 
When you visit us with symptoms of a cold, which is generally milder than the flu or COVID-19, our healthcare professionals will assess for a runny or stuffy nose, sore or scratchy throat, occasional mild cough, sneezing, mild headache, body aches, and minimal fatigue. These symptoms usually come on gradually over a few days and should resolve within 7-10 days.

Flu symptoms, on the other hand, are usually more severe and come on suddenly. Our medical team will look for high fever, severe body aches, extreme debilitating fatigue, severe headache, persistent dry cough, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose. While most people recover from the flu within a couple of weeks, our team at Apt Urgent Care is prepared to provide necessary care if serious health complications arise.

As for COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the range of symptoms can be broad, from asymptomatic or mild illness to severe or life-threatening disease. We strongly recommend that you see Apt Urgent Care every once if you have been exposed to the virus or if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, exhaustion, headache, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, or less frequently, a runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. We stand ready to offer immediate medical attention, particularly for serious symptoms such as persistent chest pain or pressure, inability to catch breath, confusion or disorientation, and bluish lips or face.

At Apt Urgent Care, we understand the unique symptoms associated with COVID-19 and are prepared to provide the necessary care and guidance.
 
High Fever: We can assess the severity of your fever and provide appropriate treatment. Persistent high fever is a significant symptom of COVID-19 that should not be ignored.

Dry Cough: Our healthcare professionals can evaluate your cough and guide you through the necessary steps if it’s persistent and dry, a common symptom of COVID-19.

Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing requires immediate medical attention. We have the resources and expertise to handle such emergencies related to COVID-19.

Fatigue: If you’re feeling excessively tired even after getting adequate rest, it could be a sign of COVID-19. We can help identify the cause of your fatigue and provide appropriate care.

Altered Sense of Taste and Smell: An abrupt loss or change in your sense of taste or smell can be alarming. Our team can guide you on the necessary steps to take if you’re experiencing this symptom.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Our healthcare professionals can manage the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with COVID-19, providing relief and care.

Skin Rashes: If you’re experiencing unusual skin changes, our team can evaluate your symptoms and determine if they could be related to COVID-19.

Neurological Symptoms: We can assess and manage neurological symptoms resulting from COVID-19.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): Our pediatric team is equipped to handle cases of MIS-C, a rare but severe condition associated with COVID-19 in children.

Persistent Symptoms (Long COVID): We provide post-COVID care to patients who have persistent symptoms after healing from the virus.
We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation and provide necessary medical guidance. Until you get tested, isolate yourself from others to prevent potential spread.

At Apt Urgent Care, we are dedicated to the health and well-being of our community. We understand that the possibility of co-infection with Influenza and COVID-19 is a growing concern, especially during flu season. We assure you that our skilled team is well-equipped to identify, diagnose, and treat co-infections, should they occur.
 
If you are experiencing any symptoms shared by these two illnesses, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, we urge you to visit our Urgent Care immediately. Our facility has the capability to perform laboratory testing, including molecular tests for influenza and COVID-19, as well as rapid antigen tests for influenza, to accurately diagnose your condition.

In the event of a co-infection diagnosis, we have a range of treatment options available based on the severity of your symptoms. These treatments may include antiviral medications like oseltamivir or zanamivir for influenza, and remdesivir or molnupiravir for COVID-19.

At Apt Urgent Care, we understand how crucial it is to recognize the early symptoms of common respiratory illnesses like the cold, flu, and COVID-19 for timely treatment and prevention.
 
Cold Symptoms:

The onset of cold symptoms typically occurs one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus and can last for a few days to a week. Initial symptoms may include a sore throat or runny nose, later followed by coughing and sneezing. If you experience these symptoms, consider visiting our Urgent Care for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Flu Symptoms:

Flu symptoms usually set in one to four days after infection and can persist for a week or more. These symptoms often include sudden fever, aches, chills, tiredness, and weakness. In some cases, primarily in children, diarrhea and vomiting might also occur. If you or a child in your care shows these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention.

COVID-19 Symptoms:

COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe and typically appear two to fourteen days after exposure, with the most common timing being around four to five days. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing. However, it’s crucial to note that some people might remain asymptomatic, meaning they do not show symptoms but can still spread the virus. You must be tested immediately if you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Keep in mind that a person’s age, health, and the particular virus strain can all affect the incubation period and symptom duration. Apt Urgent Care is here to help if you have any worries regarding potential symptoms or illnesses. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. For more information contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 10447 Bailey Rd Suite 170 Manvel, TX 77578. We serve patients from Manvel TX, Iowa Colony TX, Alvin TX, Fresno TX, Pearland TX, Rosharon TX, and surrounding areas.