In-Home Urgent Care for Cold, Flu & COVID Symptoms (Flagstaff)
Understanding cold flu and covid symptoms
While covid, colds and the flu share some similar symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. Viral illnesses spread more easily during winter months but can spread during the summer as well Knowing the difference can help you understand what to expect and how to best manage your illness.
Common cold
Runny or stuffy nose, Sneezing, Sore throat, Cough, Mild body aches, Low-grade fever (more common in children)
Influenza
Fever (often high), Chills, Body aches, Headache, Fatigue (extreme tiredness), Cough (often severe), Sore throat, Runny or stuffy nose. Often comes on suddenly and severely.
COVID-19
Fever often high, Cough, Fatigue, Muscle Aches, Body Aches, Headache, Loss of Taste, Loss of Smell, Sore Throat, Congestion, Runny Nose, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea.
What is the flu, covid and other viral illnesses like common cold?
COVID-19, the flu (influenza), and many common colds are all caused by viruses, which are tiny germs that invade your body’s cells to make you sick. These viral illnesses often cause symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. Since they’re caused by viruses, antibiotics, which are medicines designed to fight bacteria, won’t work against them. Treatment for these viral illnesses usually focuses on relieving your symptoms and supporting your body’s natural defenses. Symptoms of viruses include but are not limited to:
- Body aches
- Chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Children and Viral Illnesses: What to Expect
Children, just like adults, can get sick with viral illnesses like COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold. While their symptoms are often similar to those in adults, there are a few important things to keep in mind. It’s also important for parents to recognize when to seek medical care for their child. Mend Care is here to provide convenient, in-home urgent care for your little ones, helping them feel better fast.
Here’s what to look out for in children:
- Common Symptoms: Children with viral illnesses often experience fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. They might also have vomiting or diarrhea, especially with the flu or certain strains of COVID.
- COVID-19 in Children: While COVID-19 is often milder in children compared to adults, kids can still get sick and spread the virus. Some children may experience a rare but serious condition called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) after a COVID infection.
- Flu in Children: The flu can be more serious in children, especially those under 5 years old. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for children 6 months and older.
- RSV: Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common virus that can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia, especially in infants and young children.
- When to Worry: Seek medical attention if your child has difficulty breathing, a high fever that won’t come down, signs of dehydration (like not peeing enough), is unusually sleepy or unresponsive, or if their symptoms are getting worse instead of better.
- At-Home Care: For mild cases, focus on rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications (if appropriate for their age) to relieve symptoms. Always consult with a medical professional or your pediatrician for advice tailored to your child’s age and health.
Important Considerations:
- Vaccination: Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, including the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine (when eligible), is the best way to protect your child from these illnesses.
- Hand Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.
- Rest: Make sure your child is resting as much as possible to help their body fight off the illness.
- Hydration: It is important to keep your child hydrated, especially if they have a fever, are vomiting, or have diarrhea.
Mend Care is here to help! If your child is sick and you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. We provide convenient, in-home urgent care for children of all ages.
Mend Cares response Cold ,Flu and COVID treatment
Most viral illnesses do not need professional medical attention. Instead over the counter medications, pain relievers, antihistamines, and decongestants provide relief until the virus clears your body. But sometimes a professional can help alleviate concerns or potentially prescribe more appropriate treatments. When you choose Mend Care for your cold or flu, here’s what you can expect:
- Easy Booking: Schedule your appointment online or by phone at your convenience. (see Book Now button)
- In-Home Visit: A qualified nurse practitioner or physician assistant will arrive at your home at your scheduled time.
- Thorough Assessment: We’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam.
- Testing: If necessary, we may perform rapid tests for covid and flu in Flagstaff to confirm the diagnosis.
- Personalized Treatment: Based on your diagnosis, we’ll create a treatment plan that may include:
- Over-the-counter medications for symptom relief or stronger prescription symptom relief.
- Prescription antiviral medications (if appropriate for the flu and covid)
- Recommendations for rest, hydration, and other home care measures
Most people start to feel better from a cold within a week to 10 days. If you are still not feeling well, let us help you. Book an appointment with Mend Care, and let us help you get back on your feet
Complications of Colds and Flu including COVID
While most people recover from colds, flu and covid without serious issues, complications can sometimes occur, especially in high-risk individuals (e.g., young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions). These complications may include:
- Sinus Infections: Inflammation and blockage of the sinuses, leading to pain, pressure, and thick, discolored nasal discharge.
- Ear Infections: Colds and flu can lead to a buildup of fluid in the middle ear, causing pain and sometimes temporary hearing loss.
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. This can cause a persistent cough, often with mucus production.
- Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
- Asthma Flare-ups: Colds and flu can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma.
- Dehydration: Especially common with vomiting and diarrhea, which can sometimes accompany the flu.
- Worsening of Chronic Conditions: Colds and flu can exacerbate existing health problems like heart disease or diabetes.
*If you are experiencing any of these complications or your symptoms are worsening, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
When to seek immediate medical care
While most colds and flu can be managed at home, it’s important to seek medical emergency medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- High fever that doesn’t improve with medication
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, weakness, decreased urination)
- Symptoms that worsen after a few days or don’t improve after a week
Don’t let a cold or flu ruin your week. Book your appointment with Mend Care today and get the relief you need in the comfort of your home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Colds, flu, and COVID-19 are all respiratory illnesses, but they’re caused by different viruses. Colds are usually milder than the flu, with symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Flu symptoms often come on more suddenly and can include fever, body aches, fatigue, and cough. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, and diarrhea. 1 It can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone, so testing may be necessary.
The best way to protect yourself is to practice good hygiene: wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching your face, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re feeling sick. Vaccination is also crucial for preventing the flu and COVID-19. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older and COVID-19 vaccination and boosters for those who are eligible.
Most colds can be managed at home, but you should see a doctor if your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or don’t improve after 10 days. For the flu or COVID-19, seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever, severe vomiting, or any other concerning symptoms. It’s especially important to seek care promptly if you’re at higher risk for complications (e.g., young children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions).
No, antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, not viruses. Since colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are caused by viruses, antibiotics won’t help you recover. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making them less effective when you actually do need them for a bacterial infection. However, in some cases a bacterial infection may occur as a complication of a cold, flu, or COVID infection. Your medical provider will determine if you need antibiotics for a bacterial infection.
The contagious period varies depending on the illness. For colds, you’re usually contagious for a few days before symptoms start and as long as symptoms are present. With the flu, you can be contagious a day before symptoms appear and up to 5-7 days after. With COVID-19, you can be contagious for a couple of days before symptoms start, and potentially for 10 days or longer after, depending on the severity of the illness and individual factors. It’s important to follow current CDC guidelines for isolation and quarantine if you test positive for COVID-19 or the flu.
Yes, Mend Care offers convenient in-home testing and treatment for colds, flu, and COVID-19 in Flagstaff and the surrounding areas. Our medical professionals can provide rapid testing, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to help you recover quickly and comfortably without ever leaving your home.
