What Are Colds and Flu?
A cold or the flu can knock you off your feet, leaving you feeling weak and tired. UMG Urgent Care provides effective treatment for common cold and flu symptoms so you can get back to your regular routine sooner. The difference between cold and flu is mainly the type of virus that causes each and how serious the symptoms are. Colds are typically caused by rhinoviruses while the flu is caused by influenza viruses. Cold symptoms often come on slowly, starting with a sore throat, nasal congestion, and sneezing. The symptoms of the flu tend to appear suddenly and are usually more severe, including high fever and body aches. Cold symptoms can be bothersome, but the flu can make you feel truly awful and can lead to serious health issues, like pneumonia, especially for people with weakened immune systems. It is important to take steps to avoid close contact with those who are sick to prevent the spread of these viral infections. Visit our caring team in Columbia, MD for quality care.
How Are Colds and Flu Treated?
At UMG Urgent Care, we assess your symptoms, determine if you need prescription medication, and provide specific care to help ease your discomfort. If you're unsure whether it's a cold or the flu, our medical professionals can provide quick testing and accurate advice. Most colds go away on their own in about 7 – 10 days. Getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter cold and flu medication can help relieve common cold symptoms, like congestion, coughs, or sneezes. Treatment for the common cold and flu includes a variety of options, such as pain relievers, decongestants, cough syrups, and antiviral drugs. For mild cases of the flu, treatments include resting and drinking lots of fluids, but antiviral medications (like Tamiflu®) may help reduce the length of illness if taken early. The flu can last from a few days to two weeks, depending on how your body fights the virus. Severe symptoms tend to improve within a week, but fatigue can sometimes continue for several weeks. Cold and flu season generally runs from the late fall through early spring. With so many types of colds and flu viruses around, practicing good hygiene — like washing your hands often — helps reduce your chances of getting sick. Additionally, getting a flu shot can help protect against the most common strains of the flu virus each year.
What Are the Benefits of Colds and Flu Treatment?
Receiving prompt cold and flu treatment at UMG Urgent Care in Columbia, MD can greatly impact how long flu and colds last and how severe your symptoms are. Getting prompt medical care is especially important for those who are more vulnerable, like young children, elderly adults, and people with underlying health problems. Proper care for these common illnesses can result in:
- Shorter illness duration
- Reduced symptom severity
- Prevention of complications, such as secondary bacterial infections
- Faster recovery, allowing you to return to your daily activities
- Peace of mind, knowing you are taking the right steps for your health
UMG Urgent Care Reviews
Bianca & Stephanie are sweethearts!! Amazing service and very gentle & kind. The space is extremely clean & overly comfortable. Family ran so you know they’ll make you feel at home & treat you like one of their own. I went into urgent care but I’ll also be using them for dentistry as well! Satisfaction guaranteed!
Fast and compassionate care - I saw NP Stephanie and she has great bedside manners while using layman’s terms to talk to me about my medical concerns. She referred me to the appropriate place after taking care of my urgent matter in a swift way. Great place to go and get all your respiratory virus tests with fast results as well!
Wonderful experience! My wife was injured and the care we received was exceptional!
I am very happy with this new Urgent Care in our community. I just brought a friend here yesterday and had a wonderful experience. The Nurse Practitioner/Owner was incredibly patient and made us feel so comfortable even though it was closing time. I will be coming right back for all my future Urgent Care needs!
Nurse Practitioner Stephanie is the BEST! She is a compassionate and dedicated professional. She’s very knowledgeable and well-versed in the medical field. I know I can trust her with my health and wellness. I highly recommend her expertise and care!
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Recover with Manageable Symptoms
Knowing the difference between cold and flu helps you get the right cold and flu treatments for faster recovery. The goal of treatment is to reduce the impact of symptoms, allowing your body to recover without added complications. At UMG Urgent Care, we provide care that can help shorten the time you're sick and make the symptoms more manageable. If you or your loved ones are dealing with cold and flu symptoms, come to UMG Urgent Care in Columbia, MD. Our team can provide quick and effective care to help you feel better.