Insight Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine – Fall is here, which means it’s also the start of flu season. When we’re under the weather, it is not uncommon to experience symptoms like coughing, sneezing, body aches, fever, and fatigue. However, it’s not always clear what symptoms warrant a visit to urgent care or the emergency room. It is important to remember that most cold and flu symptoms can be treated at home with rest and over the counter medications. But there are also some instances where professional care is necessary. Here is a brief overview of common flu symptoms, as well as how to determine if urgent care or the emergency room is right for the symptoms you are experiencing.
What is Influenza (Flu)?
In order to determine what to do if you are not feeling well, it is important to understand what influenza (or flu) is and the common symptoms associated with this illness. Influenza is a common contagious respiratory illness that impacts more than 3 million people in the United States each year. It is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to symptoms that range of mild to severe. Flu symptoms are generally treated at home with rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and over the counter medications. Some people, especially the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions, may experience complications and severe symptoms.
The following are a few of the most common flu symptoms:
- Body/Muscle Aches
- Chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Runny/Stuffy Nose
- Sore Throat
When to Visit Urgent Care for Flu Symptoms
Urgent care is a great option if you are experiencing moderate non-life threatening flu symptoms that have not improved with rest and over the counter medications. Urgent care offers many benefits, including convenient hours. They’re also open most days (including holidays) and provide significant cost-savings compared to an emergency room visit. Consider visiting urgent care if you are experiencing the following:
- Moderate symptoms like fever and fatigue that have not improved after a few days.
- Dehydration, including difficulty keeping fluids down.
- Persistent fever that lasts longer than three days.
- Symptoms that do not improve or get worse after a few days.
- Mild respiratory issues like coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing that does not improve after a few days.
When to Visit an Emergency Room for Flu Symptoms
Visits to the emergency room should be reserved for life threatening symptoms or symptoms that require immediate care. Although most people with flu symptoms will likely not require a visit to the ER, certain groups such as the elderly, children, or those with underlying conditions may experience complications that necessitate emergency room care. Consider visiting an emergency room is you experience the following:
- Severe trouble breathing or difficulty catching your breath.
- Chest pain, bluish lips/face, or seizures.
- Feelings of confusion or disorientation.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea.
- Existing health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, that are worsening.
In most cases, flu symptoms are not life threatening and can be treated by visiting an urgent care provider. Not only does urgent care offer expert service, but it is also more convenient, less expensive, and faster than visiting an emergency room. However, if your symptoms are severe or life-threatening, a trip to the emergency room is the best choice to get the care you need. To learn more about urgent care and our services at Insight Urgent Care in Flint, visit our website or call (810) 213-8144.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to schedule an appointment to visit urgent care?
A: No. Urgent care locations offer walk-in services, convenient hours, and are open seven days a week (including holidays).
Q: Will my health insurance cover an urgent care visit?
A: Yes. Most health insurance plans cover urgent care visits. If you are unsure, contact your insurance provider or local urgent care center to confirm your coverage.
Q: Should I expect long wait times at urgent care?
A: No. Wait times at urgent care are generally much shorter than an emergency room visit. Most urgent care visits take less than an hour. However wait times during the busiest hours (e.g. early mornings, after school/work) may be longer.