Cold & Flu

Sometimes cold or flu symptoms can become unbearable, even with the best at-home care. If you are struggling with cold and flu symptoms, the team at Maxlife Urgent Care, located between Whittier and Santa Fe Springs, California, can offer relief. Treatments help alleviate symptoms and can prevent them from worsening. Call today or use the online tool to book an immediate appointment. 

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

A cold and the flu are both caused by viruses. Cold viruses usually cause a runny nose, mild fever, coughing, and slight body aches.

The flu presents with symptoms that feel more severe. The flu usually causes a fever of 100 degrees or higher, intense body aches, and severe fatigue. Headaches and a sore throat are also common symptoms of the flu. 

Children with the flu may also experience diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea; these digestive symptoms don’t accompany a cold. 

When should I make a doctor’s appointment for a cold or the flu?

A runny nose, moderate fever, and body aches are usually manageable cold or flu symptoms. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications help you ride out the symptoms so you recover without needing to seek medical help. 

But, if you have chest pain, a high or persistent fever, or trouble breathing, visit Maxlife Urgent Care to evaluate your cold and flu symptoms. 

Reasons you might come to Maxlife Urgent Care for a cold or the flu include:

• Severe cough that persists longer than a week
• Lasting postnasal drip and ear pain
• Persistent sore throat
• High fever

These symptoms could indicate whooping cough, bronchitis, a sinus infection, or a strep infection – all complications of a cold or the flu. If you can’t keep food or liquids down and risk dehydration, you should also seek care.

Children and the elderly are at an increased risk of complications associated with a cold or the flu. Cold and flu symptoms can become pneumonia or other more serious infections without proper management. 

Can I prevent the flu?

If you’ve been exposed to someone with the flu and feel subtle symptoms, seek care at Maxlife Urgent Care immediately. The team can offer antiviral drugs that moderate symptoms and shorten the duration of your infection, but you need to act quickly. 

Though colds and the flu cannot be cured, they do need to run their course. Medical intervention can help prevent severe complications and give you some relief. 

Call Maxlife Urgent Care or use the online tool to book an appointment today.