Nobody knows for sure how severe the cold and flu season will be this year. That’s why getting a flu shot remains the best way to protect yourself against winter illnesses.
You can get your annual flu shot at Northwest Urgent Care. But that’s not all. Urgent care is also a great place to get seen quickly if you start to experience the signs of a cold, flu, or other upper respiratory conditions. And with extended hours and locations in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Athol, and Lakeland, an urgent care center is nearby whenever you need it.
Prepare for the start of cold and flu season by brushing up on the difference between a cold and the flu, and find out how urgent care can help — and whether an Emergency Room (ER) visit is necessary.
How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?
Colds and flu share many symptoms, making it tricky to tell one from the other. Both are contagious, spread by droplets from sneezes and coughs, and through contact with contaminated surfaces.
The common cold can be caused by multiple viruses, including rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Symptoms tend to come on gradually, developing over two to three days. Symptoms include nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and a sore throat. A mild fever may accompany some colds.
Flu originates from the influenza virus. There are two types, Influenza A and B. Influenza A is the most common and causes more severe symptoms in adults. Type B may be more severe in kids 5 and under. Flu symptoms come on rapidly and can include a fever, chills, dry cough, muscle or body aches, tiredness, and weakness. A sore throat sometimes accompanies the flu. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur in kids with the flu.
Flu typically lasts for 7 to 10 days. Many cases can be managed at home through hydration, rest, and over-the-counter pain medicines that can reduce fever and ease body aches.
When should I go to urgent care for a cold or flu?
If you need relief from a cold or the flu, urgent care centers in the Inland Northwest can be an ideal option. They’re often open earlier and close later than a traditional doctor’s office and have weekend hours, too. Consider urgent care if you:
- Have mild but not life-threatening symptoms, such as a slight fever, mild dehydration (dry mouth), or bouts of dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Have a persistent fever that lasts more than 48 hours.
- Are sick enough to see a doctor but can still breathe easily.
- Can’t get in to see your primary care provider and need a quick diagnosis.
- Need a flu test to determine whether you have the flu.
- Experience new symptoms that concern you.
- Have symptoms that worsen after initial improvement.
- Seek advice on managing cold and flu at home.
While urgent care is a convenient option, it’s not right for every case. If you have more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, confusion, shaking, or seizures — or if you have chest pain or feel so weak that you can’t stand up — it’s an emergency, and you need an ER visit. Kids with fevers over 104 degrees Fahrenheit and infants under 3 months with any fever should also go to an ER.
How does an urgent care center care for colds and flu?
Providers at urgent care locations in North Idaho specialize in caring for common winter illnesses like cold and flu. During your visit, your provider will assess the severity of your symptoms and, if necessary, conduct a swab test to determine whether you have flu, and which type of flu you might have. In most cases you’ll get results fast, within 10 to 15 minutes.
If your flu is detected within the first 48 hours of getting sick, your provider might recommend an antiviral medication (Tamiflu) that may reduce the seriousness of symptoms and shorten recovery time. Urgent care providers can also administer IV fluids if you’re dehydrated. They can diagnose secondary infections like bronchitis or pneumonia, too, and advise when prescriptions or additional medical evaluation are needed.
How can I prevent the flu?
People 6 months or older should talk with their doctor to see if they’re eligible to receive a flu vaccine. The vaccine offers protection against the most common flu strains circulating each year. For added protection, take these steps.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Rub your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Remember to wash your hands whenever returning home from a public place or if you’ve been around people who are sick.
- Avoid close contact with friends, family members, and co-workers who are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow whenever you cough or sneeze to limit the spread of droplets.
- Stay home from school or work if you feel sick.
You can also boost your immune system naturally by getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables. Supplements like vitamin C or D may support immune health, too. Talk with your doctor before starting any new medications or supplements.
Find fast flu care at Northwest Urgent Care
If flu symptoms come on suddenly, it’s wise to get checked out right away. At Northwest Urgent Care, you can see a healthcare provider quickly. You can even reserve your spot in advance online for added convenience. With shorter wait times and significantly lower costs than an ER, Northwest Urgent Care is often the best first stop for seasonal illnesses.
Find a center near you:
- Coeur d’Alene Urgent Care: 208-209-2060
- Post Falls Urgent Care: 208-262-2600
- Athol Urgent Care: 208-561-9970
- Lakeland Immediate Care: 208-687-4878
Our locations in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, and Athol are open from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekends. Lakeland Immediate Care is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays.