Cold, Flu, COVID & Upper Respiratory Infections
When you’re feeling under the weather with a cough, fever, or stuffy nose, it can be hard to know exactly what’s making you sick. Is it just a cold? Could it be the flu? What about COVID? At American Family Care, we understand how confusing and concerning these symptoms can be. That’s why we’re here to help you learn more about infectious respiratory illnesses and get the right treatment fast.
Infectious respiratory illnesses affect millions of Americans every year. These infections can range from a simple cold that slows you down for a few days to more serious conditions like the flu or COVID that may require medical attention. The good news? With the right information and timely care, most people recover completely from these common infections.
Whether you’re dealing with cold symptoms, worried about COVID exposure, need a COVID test, or think you might have the flu, our urgent care centers are equipped to diagnose and treat all types of upper respiratory infections. No appointment needed; just walk in when you need us.
Differentiating Between Cold, Flu, and COVID Symptoms
One of the biggest challenges when you’re sick is figuring out what you have. Cold, flu, and COVID symptoms can overlap, making it tricky to know which infection you’re dealing with. Each illness has telltale signs that can help you and your healthcare provider determine the best treatment approach.
The common cold is the mildest of these infections, though it can still make you feel pretty miserable. Cold symptoms typically come on gradually over a day or two. You might notice a scratchy throat first, followed by a runny nose and sneezing.
Most people with a cold experience:
- A runny or stuffy nose that starts clear and may turn yellow or green
- Sneezing and watery eyes
- Mild sore throat
- Slight body aches
- Low-grade fever (rare in adults, more common in children)
- Mild fatigue
What causes a cold? Over 200 viruses can cause cold symptoms, but rhinoviruses are the most common culprits. These viruses love the cooler temperatures in your nose; therefore, nasal symptoms are usually the worst part of a cold.
The flu hits much harder and faster than a cold. While cold symptoms creep up on you, flu symptoms often feel like they come out of nowhere. Many patients say they felt fine in the morning but were knocked flat by afternoon.
Classic flu symptoms include:
- High fever (102-104°F) that lasts 3-4 days
- Severe body aches and muscle pain
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Dry, hacking cough
- Headache
- Chills and sweats
- Sometimes nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common in children)
What causes the flu? The influenza virus causes the flu, and it changes slightly each year. That’s why you need a new flu shot annually. Other viruses can also cause flu-like symptoms, but true influenza tends to be more severe.
COVID has added a new layer of complexity to respiratory illness diagnosis. Its symptoms can range from very mild (or even asymptomatic) to severe. The tricky part? COVID can look like a cold, feel like the flu, or present with unique symptoms.
Common COVID symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough (usually dry)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Extreme fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell (less common with recent variants)
- Sore throat
- Congestion or a runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
What causes COVID? The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19. This virus has evolved since 2020, with different variants causing slightly different symptoms. Some people have asymptomatic COVID, meaning they have no symptoms but can still spread the virus to others.
Upper respiratory infection is a broad term that includes colds, flu, COVID, and other infections affecting your nose, throat, and airways. Upper respiratory infection symptoms vary depending on which virus is causing your illness.
General upper respiratory infection symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion and discharge
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Cough (dry or productive)
- Mild to moderate fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches
What causes an upper respiratory infection? Various viruses and sometimes bacteria can cause URIs. Your symptoms and how quickly they develop can give clues about your infection type.
Symptom Onset:
- Cold: Gradual (1-3 days)
- Flu: Sudden (hours)
- COVID: Variable (2-14 days after exposure)
Fever:
- Cold: Rare or low-grade
- Flu: Common, high (102-104°F)
- COVID: Common, variable temperature
Main Symptoms:
- Cold: Runny nose, sneezing, mild cough
- Flu: High fever, severe body aches, extreme fatigue
- COVID: Variable, may include loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath
Duration:
- Cold: 7-10 days
- Flu: 1-2 weeks (fatigue can last longer)
- COVID: Variable, typically 1-2 weeks for mild cases
How Respiratory Infections Spread
Knowing how these infections spread helps you protect yourself and others. While different viruses cause cold, flu, and COVID, they spread similarly. Understanding transmission is your first line of defense against getting sick.
The primary way respiratory infections spread is through the air. When someone with a cold, flu, or COVID talks, coughs, or sneezes, they release tiny droplets containing the virus. These droplets can travel several feet and hang in the air, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Larger droplets typically fall to the ground within 6 feet, which is why that became the standard social distancing recommendation. However, smaller particles (aerosols) can float in the air longer and travel farther, particularly with COVID.
You can breathe in these virus-containing droplets and become infected. This is why crowded, indoor spaces with poor ventilation pose the highest risk for spreading respiratory infections.
Respiratory viruses can also spread through contact. Here’s how it typically happens:
- An infected person coughs or sneezes into their hand or touches their nose or mouth
- They touch a surface like a doorknob, keyboard, or phone
- You touch that same surface
- You touch your face, especially your nose, mouth, or eyes
- The virus enters your body
Cold viruses can survive on surfaces for several hours to days. Flu viruses typically survive for 24-48 hours on hard surfaces. COVID can last even longer on some surfaces, though surface transmission is less common than airborne spread.
COVID exposure occurs when you’ve been near someone who tests positive for COVID. The CDC defines close contact as being within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more over 24 hours. However, brief exposures in poorly ventilated spaces can also lead to infection.
COVID exposure symptoms don’t appear immediately. The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) is typically 2-14 days, with most people developing symptoms around day 5-6. This is why COVID screening and testing are important after known exposure, even if you feel fine.
Some people have asymptomatic COVID, meaning they’re infected but never develop symptoms. These individuals can still spread the virus; for that reason, COVID testing is important after exposure or before gatherings.
Understanding when you’re most contagious helps prevent spreading illness to others:
Cold: You’re most contagious during the first 2-3 days of symptoms, but can spread the virus for up to 2 weeks.
Flu: You can spread flu one day before symptoms start and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. You’re most contagious in the first 3-4 days.
COVID: You can spread COVID starting 2 days before symptoms appear. Most people are no longer contagious 10 days after symptom onset, though this can vary. Asymptomatic COVID cases can also spread the virus.
Certain situations increase your risk of catching or spreading respiratory infections:
- Crowded indoor spaces (public transportation, concerts, restaurants)
- Poor ventilation
- Close contact with infected individuals
- Touching your face frequently
- Not washing hands regularly
- Being around people who are coughing or sneezing
- Sharing personal items like drinks or utensils
Treatment Options for Respiratory Infections
The right treatment for your respiratory infection depends on what’s causing your symptoms. While antibiotics won’t help viral infections like cold, flu, or COVID, there are many treatments to help you feel better and recover faster. At American Family Care, we provide treatment options tailored to your specific illness.
How to Treat a Cold and Cold Treatment Options
Since viruses cause colds, antibiotics won’t help. Cold treatment focuses on relieving symptoms while your body fights off the infection. The good news is that many effective treatments can help you feel better while your immune system does its work.
Over-the-counter cold treatment options are your first line of defense. Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen reduce the aches and low-grade fever that sometimes accompany colds. Decongestants can provide relief for that stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe or sleep. You can choose between oral medications or nasal sprays, though sprays shouldn’t be used for more than three days to avoid rebound congestion. If you’re dealing with a runny nose and constant sneezing, antihistamines can help dry things up. And for that nagging cough, you’ll want to choose the right type of medicine: cough suppressants for a dry, hacking cough that’s keeping you awake, or expectorants if you have chest congestion and need to loosen mucus.
Most colds resolve on their own within 7-10 days. However, you should visit AFC if cold symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen instead of better, or include high fever or severe headache. These could be signs of a secondary bacterial infection or a more serious illness.
How to Treat Flu and Flu Treatment Options
Unlike colds, prescription medications can help with flu treatment if started early. The key is getting treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset. This narrow window is why it’s so important to recognize flu symptoms quickly and seek care immediately.
Prescription flu treatment has come a long way in recent years. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) can shorten the duration of flu by one to two days, which might not sound like much. Still, when you’re suffering through severe flu symptoms, every day counts. These medications work by stopping the flu virus from multiplying in your body. The catch is that they work best when they start within 48 hours of symptoms first appearing. After that window, they’re less effective, although they may help reduce the risk of serious flu complications, especially in high-risk individuals.
Beyond prescription medications, supportive treatment for flu symptoms plays a role in your recovery. Rest isn’t optional with the flu. Your body is fighting hard, and trying to push through will only prolong your illness and put others at risk. Fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage the high fevers that make flu so miserable, easing body aches and headaches. Staying hydrated becomes extra important because fever and decreased appetite can quickly lead to dehydration. Keep water, electrolyte drinks, or warm broths within easy reach. If a cough prevents you from getting the rest you need, cough medicine can help, but remember that some coughing helps clear your airways.
When should you seek treatment for flu-like symptoms at AFC? Don’t wait if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness or confusion, or severe vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down. Also concerning are flu symptoms that seem to improve but then return with fever and a worse cough. This could indicate a secondary bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
How to Treat COVID and COVID Treatment Options
COVID treatment has evolved significantly since 2020. Treatment depends on your risk factors and symptom severity, with options ranging from supportive care at home to prescription medications that can prevent severe illness.
The approach for mild COVID treatment at home is similar to other viral infections, but with extra precautions to prevent spread. Rest and isolation are essential – not just for your recovery but to protect others. Most people with mild COVID can manage symptoms with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers. Staying hydrated helps your body fight the infection and prevents complications. If you have a pulse oximeter, monitoring your oxygen levels can help you know when to seek medical care (readings below 95% warrant immediate attention). Keep a symptom diary noting changes, as COVID symptoms can evolve quickly.
Prescription COVID treatment options have expanded considerably. For high-risk individuals, antiviral medications can dramatically reduce the chances of hospitalization and severe illness. Paxlovid, an oral medication, has become the go-to treatment for many eligible patients. It works by preventing the virus from replicating, but timing is essential. It must be started within five days of symptom onset. Some people also qualify for remdesivir, which is given intravenously, or monoclonal antibody treatments in some instances. AFC can quickly evaluate whether you are eligible for these treatments based on age, health conditions, and current symptoms.
Understanding how to treat COVID exposure is as important as treating active infection. If you’ve had COVID exposure, your first step should be getting a COVID test five days after exposure, or sooner if symptoms develop. During this waiting period, carefully monitor yourself for symptoms, wear a high-quality mask around others, and consider quarantine based on current guidelines and vaccination status. High-risk individuals who’ve had COVID exposure should contact AFC immediately, as preventive medications may be recommended in some cases. COVID exposure treatment isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about breaking the chain of transmission in our community.
How to Treat Upper Respiratory Infection
Upper respiratory infection treatment depends on the cause, and since most URIs are viral, treatment typically focuses on relieving your symptoms while your body fights off the infection. The approach is similar to treating a cold, but it’s important to watch for signs that your infection might be bacterial and require different treatment.
General upper respiratory infection treatment starts with the basics that support your immune system. Rest isn’t just helpful; it’s required for recovery. Your body needs energy to fight the infection, so taking time off work or school isn’t lazy, it’s being smart about your health. Hydration plays a role, too, as fluids help thin mucus secretions and prevent dehydration from fever. Many people find that breathing humidified air relieves congestion and throat irritation caused by upper respiratory infections. This is why that steamy shower feels so good when you’re sick. The moist air helps open airways and soothe irritated tissues. It’s also important to avoid smoke and other irritants that can make symptoms worse and slow healing.
Over-the-counter medications can effectively manage specific upper respiratory infection symptoms. The key is matching the right medication to your symptoms rather than taking a “kitchen sink” approach with multi-symptom formulas that might include medications you don’t need.
The tricky part about upper respiratory infection treatment is knowing when antibiotics are needed. While most URIs are viral and won’t respond to antibiotics, bacterial infections sometimes develop, either as the primary infection or as a secondary complication. You might need antibiotics if your symptoms have lasted more than 10-14 days without improvement, or if you seemed to be getting better but then got worse again; this pattern often indicates a secondary bacterial infection. Severe headache or facial pain could signal a bacterial sinus infection, especially when bending forward. High fever and severe throat pain might indicate strep throat, which requires antibiotics.
At AFC, we can perform rapid tests to determine if your upper respiratory infection is bacterial and requires antibiotics. This targeted approach ensures you get the right treatment without unnecessary antibiotics that won’t help viral infections and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
COVID Test and COVID Screening
Getting tested is crucial for proper COVID treatment and preventing the spread. AFC offers several COVID test options to meet different needs and situations. Understanding when and how to get tested helps protect both you and your community.
The types of COVID tests available each serve different purposes. Rapid antigen tests provide results in 15-30 minutes, making them ideal when you need quick answers. While they’re slightly less sensitive than other tests, they’re very good at detecting COVID when viral loads are highest and you’re most contagious. PCR tests remain the gold standard for accuracy, though results typically take 1-3 days. These tests can detect even small amounts of virus, making them the best choice for definitive diagnosis. At-home tests offer convenience and privacy, though they’re generally less sensitive than professional testing and require careful following of instructions for accurate results.
Knowing when to get a COVID test is as important as knowing which test to choose. You should get tested when you have symptoms consistent with COVID, but testing is also important five days after COVID exposure, even if you feel fine. Many workplaces, schools, and events require COVID screening and testing before gatherings or travel to help prevent the spread of the virus to vulnerable individuals. Some people need regular testing for work, especially in healthcare settings.
COVID screening involves more than just testing. Healthcare providers will ask about recent symptoms, known COVID exposures, recent travel, and participation in large gatherings. These screening questions help determine testing needs and infection risk. It’s important to answer honestly. This information helps protect everyone.
The reality of asymptomatic COVID makes testing even more critical. Some people, particularly those who are vaccinated and boosted, may have COVID without any symptoms at all. These asymptomatic COVID cases can still spread the virus to others, which is why testing after exposure or before gatherings remains important even when you feel perfectly healthy. This silent spread is one reason COVID has been so difficult to control, and why testing remains a tool in managing the pandemic.
Prevention Strategies for Respiratory Illnesses
Preventing respiratory infections is always better than treating them. While you can’t avoid every germ, simple prevention strategies can significantly reduce your risk of catching cold, flu, COVID, or other upper respiratory infections. The best part? Most prevention methods are free, easy to implement, and protect against multiple infections simultaneously.
Vaccination: Your First Line of Defense
Vaccines remain one of our most powerful tools for preventing serious respiratory illnesses. They train your immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses before they can make you seriously ill.
Annual flu vaccination should be on everyone’s fall to-do list. The flu shot needs yearly updates because flu viruses constantly change, and each year’s vaccine is formulated to protect against the strains most likely to circulate that season. Getting your flu shot in early fall gives your body about two weeks to build protection before flu season peaks. When the vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses, it reduces your flu risk by 40-60%. Even if you catch the flu after vaccination, your symptoms are typically milder. Some people worry about side effects, but the flu shot cannot give you the flu; it contains an inactivated virus that can’t cause infection.
COVID vaccination strategies continue to evolve as we learn more about the virus and its variants. Staying up-to-date with COVID boosters helps maintain your protection, especially as immunity can wane. Beyond preventing severe illness and hospitalization, COVID vaccines also help reduce the risk of long COVID complications that can affect multiple body systems for months. When you get vaccinated, you also protect vulnerable community members who cannot mount a strong immune response to vaccines.
Don’t forget about other important vaccines that prevent respiratory complications. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for adults over 65 and younger with certain health conditions. There’s now an RSV vaccine for older adults, protecting against a virus that can cause severe respiratory illness. Keeping routine vaccinations current also matters; diseases like pertussis (whooping cough) can cause serious respiratory symptoms.
Daily Prevention Habits
Hand hygiene might sound basic, but it’s incredibly effective at preventing respiratory infections. Proper handwashing means using soap and water for at least 20 seconds – about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Pay special attention to often-missed areas like fingertips, between fingers, thumbs, and under nails. You should wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after being in public spaces, and after coughing or sneezing. When soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative, though it’s not as effective against all types of germs. The hardest part? Training yourself not to touch your face. The average person touches their face 23 times per hour, allowing viruses to enter through the nose, mouth, or eyes.
Respiratory etiquette is about protecting yourself from others when you’re sick and from others who might be infected. Always cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue; never your hands. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands afterward. If you’re sick, wearing a mask helps prevent germs from spreading to others, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
Environmental controls in your home and workspace can significantly reduce infection risk. Good ventilation dilutes viral particles in the air. Open windows when weather permits, use exhaust fans, and ensure HVAC systems are properly maintained. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove viral particles from the air, which is particularly helpful in bedrooms or living spaces. Maintaining indoor humidity between 40-60% helps because viruses survive longer in dry or humid conditions. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, and phones removes germs before they can infect you. Also important: avoid sharing personal items like drinks, utensils, or towels, especially during respiratory illness season.
Lifestyle Factors for Immune Health
Your overall health and daily choices directly impact how well your immune system can fight off respiratory infections. While you can’t control every exposure to germs, you can control how prepared your body is to defend itself.
Sleep is when your body repairs itself and strengthens immune responses. Adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep, not just on weekends. Poor sleep weakens your immune response, making you more susceptible to infections and reducing vaccine effectiveness. Create a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking at the same times daily. Your bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid screens before bed, as blue light interferes with sleep hormones.
Nutrition provides the building blocks for a strong immune system. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables supplies vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function. Staying hydrated helps your body produce mucus that traps germs before they can cause infection. Consider vitamin D supplementation during winter, as low levels are linked to increased respiratory infection risk. While moderate alcohol consumption might be fine, excessive drinking suppresses immune function and damages the cilia in your airways that help clear germs.
Regular moderate exercise boosts immunity by promoting good circulation, which helps immune cells move more effectively through the body. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. Avoid overtraining, as excessive exercise can temporarily weaken your defenses. Exercising outdoors when possible provides fresh air and vitamin D from sunlight, both beneficial for respiratory health.
Stress management matters more than many people realize. Chronic stress triggers inflammation and weakens immune function, making you more vulnerable to infections. Find healthy stress management methods: meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or simply walking in nature. Maintaining social connections also supports immune health, though balancing social needs with infection prevention during peak respiratory illness season is important.
Preventing Spread When You’re Sick
Suppose you develop cold, flu, or COVID symptoms. In that case, your actions can prevent spreading illness to family, coworkers, and community members, and being responsible when sick is one of the most important ways to protect each other.
Staying home when sick isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial for preventing the spread. Avoid work, school, and public places until you’re no longer contagious. Skip social gatherings, even if you’ve been looking forward to them. Delay non-urgent errands. Most stores now offer delivery or pickup options. If you must go out for medical care, wear a mask and maintain distance from others.
At home, try to isolate as much as possible. Use a separate bedroom and bathroom if available. If you must share spaces, wear a mask and maintain distance from household members. Don’t share dishes, cups, towels, or bedding. Disinfect shared surfaces like doorknobs and light switches frequently. Open windows to improve ventilation when weather permits.
Understanding when you’re contagious helps you make informed decisions. With a cold, you’re most contagious during the first 2-3 days of symptoms, but you can spread the virus for up to two weeks. Flu contagiousness begins one day before symptoms appear and continues for 5-7 days after becoming sick. COVID can spread starting two days before symptoms appear, and most people remain contagious for up to 10 days after symptom onset, though this varies with severity and individual factors.
Special Considerations for High-Risk Individuals
Some people need extra protection from respiratory infections due to age, health conditions, or medications that affect immune function. If you’re in a high-risk group or care for someone who is, additional precautions make sense.
High-risk groups include adults 65 and older, whose immune systems naturally weaken with age. Pregnant women experience immune changes that increase infection susceptibility. People with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease face higher risks of complications. Those who are immunocompromised due to cancer treatment, organ transplants, or certain medications need extra vigilance. Young children, especially those under 2, are also at higher risk for severe respiratory infections.
Additional precautions for high-risk individuals include wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces during the respiratory illness season, even when not required. Consider avoiding large gatherings when respiratory infections are circulating widely in your community. Keep all medications up-to-date and have refills on hand. Develop a plan for quick access to medical care if you develop symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about preventive treatments that might be appropriate after exposure to respiratory infections.
When Prevention Fails
Despite your best efforts, you might still catch a respiratory infection. These viruses are highly contagious and constantly evolving, so don’t blame yourself for getting sick. The important thing is to recognize symptoms early and get appropriate treatment to recover quickly and prevent complications.
Visit AFC when prevention strategies haven’t been enough and you develop concerning symptoms. Don’t wait if symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly. If you need a COVID test to confirm your diagnosis and guide treatment decisions, come in. High-risk individuals should seek care promptly when symptoms develop, as early treatment can prevent complications. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t providing relief or you’re unsure what type of infection you have, our healthcare providers can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cold symptoms develop gradually and are usually mild, focusing on the nose and throat. You might have a runny nose, sneezing, and slight fatigue. Flu symptoms hit suddenly and hard, with high fever, severe body aches, and extreme exhaustion. Think of it this way: a cold is annoying, but the flu knocks you flat.
You’re most contagious with a cold during the first 2-3 days of symptoms, but you can spread it for up to 2 weeks. Flu is different; you can spread it one day before symptoms start and remain contagious for 5-7 days. You’re most contagious when you have a fever.
Viruses cause most upper respiratory infections; therefore, antibiotics won’t help. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. AFC can determine if your infection is bacterial through examination and testing. Signs you might need antibiotics include symptoms lasting over 10 days or worsening after initial improvement.
Get a COVID test if you have any symptoms, 5 days after COVID exposure, before gatherings or travel, or when required for work or school. Even if you feel fine after COVID exposure, testing is important since asymptomatic COVID is possible.
Yes, asymptomatic COVID is real. Some people, especially those who are vaccinated, may have COVID without any symptoms. This is why COVID screening and testing after exposure are important. You could spread the virus without knowing you’re infected.
Allergies cause clear, watery nasal discharge, itchy eyes, and sneezing without fever. Symptoms last as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. Cold symptoms include thicker nasal discharge that may turn yellow or green, possible low fever, and symptoms that resolve within 7-10 days.
Antiviral medications like Tamiflu work best when started within 48 hours of flu symptoms. They can shorten illness duration and reduce severity. Visit AFC as soon as flu symptoms start for evaluation and, if appropriate, prescription.
Flu vaccination reduces your risk by 40-60% when the vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses. Even if you get the flu after vaccination, symptoms are typically milder. The flu shot cannot give you the flu – it contains an inactivated virus.
After COVID exposure: monitor for symptoms for 14 days, get tested on day 5 (or sooner with symptoms), wear a mask around others, and consider quarantine based on current guidelines. High-risk individuals should contact AFC about preventive treatment options.
While you can’t prevent all infections, you can significantly reduce risk. Get vaccinated, wash hands frequently, avoid touching your face, maintain distance from sick people, and keep your immune system strong with good sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
Get the Right Care for Your Respiratory Infection
Key Takeaways
- Know Your Symptoms: Cold symptoms are mild and gradual, flu symptoms are severe and sudden, and COVID symptoms vary widely. When in doubt, get tested and evaluated by healthcare professionals.
- Prevention Works: Simple habits like handwashing, vaccination, and staying home when sick significantly reduce infection spread. These practices protect not just you, but your entire community.
- Early Treatment Matters: Whether it’s antiviral medications for flu, COVID treatment for high-risk individuals, or supportive care for cold symptoms, starting treatment early leads to better outcomes.
- Testing Is Important: COVID screening and testing help identify infections early, even in asymptomatic COVID cases. Don’t guess – get tested when you have symptoms or exposure.
Why Choose American Family Care for Respiratory Infections
When cold symptoms, flu symptoms, or COVID concerns arise, American Family Care provides the comprehensive care you need:
Immediate Access to Care
- No appointment necessary
- Extended hours including evenings and weekends
- Multiple convenient locations
- Shorter wait times than emergency rooms
Testing and Diagnosis
- Rapid flu tests with results in minutes
- COVID test options, including rapid and PCR tests
- Strep throat testing
- Chest X-rays when needed
- Complete evaluation to determine infection type
Full Range of Treatments
- Prescription antiviral medications for the flu
- COVID treatment evaluation and prescriptions
- Antibiotics are used when a bacterial infection is confirmed
- Breathing treatments for respiratory symptoms
- Supportive care recommendations
Experienced Healthcare Providers
Our medical teams stay current with the latest treatment guidelines for cold, flu, COVID, and upper respiratory infections. We provide personalized care based on your symptoms, health history, and risk factors.
Take Action for Your Health
- Cold treatment for persistent symptoms
- Flu treatment within that crucial 48-hour window
- COVID test after exposure or with symptoms
- Upper respiratory infection treatment that isn’t improving
- Preventive care and vaccinations
American Family Care is here to help.
Visit AFC Today
- Walk-ins always welcome
- Most insurance plans are accepted
- Convenient locations near you
- Professional, compassionate care
- Quick diagnosis and treatment
Find your nearest American Family Care location and feel better faster. When respiratory infections strike, you need excellent and accessible care. That’s what we provide at AFC, your neighborhood urgent care center.
Remember: Early treatment leads to faster recovery. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Visit American Family Care at the first sign of respiratory illness and return to feeling your best.
