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
Visit date: September 4, 2025Office: Clean and quiet. It’s not overstimulating with tv noise or loud patients. Although, I was the only patient in the waiting area.Wait time: I was greeted and immediately attended to. I filled out the standard urgent care forms (online) asking for medical history and insurance information. It took me a little while to complete due to my symptoms and it was a little lengthy. I didn’t keep track of the exact minutes but I was seen immediately after completing the forms.Vitals: The medical assistant that took my vitals was thorough and friendly. Most MA’s skip height and weight and just ask; however this MA checked both.Provider: After the MA’s did a preliminary evaluation, the provider came in. There was barely any wait. She looked my test results, asked me questions and did her own thorough assessment of my current symptoms. She put me at ease, assuring me that my condition wasn’t as bad as initially presumed. I was grateful. Her bedside manners were exceptional. Rare in this field. You can tell she was genuine and truly compassionate about my health. She advised me to go home immediately and to contact her office if I had any concerns about my symptoms.Overall: I am very satisfied and grateful for this staff’s help. This office is about 15-20 minutes from my home but worth the travel all non-emergency medical care. Thank you Nurse Stephanie, APRN.
Excellent experience. Virtually zero wait-time. Extremely competent and understanding professional and office staff. Hands down the best visit I have ever had to any urgent care facility.
What a pleasant surprise! I had to bring my daughter in after the first day of school. We both anticipated a long wait and crowded waiting room. Instead, we were greeted in a modern, new lobby with just one other person. After completing required paperwork, we were taken back quickly to an examination room. The doctor was amazing with my daughter and provided great care with a lovely bedside manner. Overall great customer experience!
Clean, thorough, friendly!
Great experience this weekend with Dr. Stephanie at UMG Urgent Care. She is friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. I really appreciated her kind bedside manner and the hours of the practice are super convenient.
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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.