When to Seek Medical Attention for Flu

When you visit Express Health Urgent Care, you’ll receive prompt and comprehensive care for flu symptoms by flu testing. Our experienced healthcare professionals will evaluate your symptoms, considering your medical history and risk factors, to provide an accurate diagnosis. We offer guidance to manage common flu symptoms such as fever, body aches, headaches, and fatigue, helping you recover more comfortably. For eligible patients, we may prescribe antiviral medications to shorten the duration of the flu and reduce the risk of complications.

Our team also emphasizes preventive care, offering advice on flu prevention strategies like vaccination, hand hygiene, and healthy lifestyle habits to protect you and your loved ones from future infections. With extended hours and walk-in availability, we ensure convenient access to care without long wait times. We’re dedicated to supporting your recovery and overall well-being with thorough follow-up care and personalized attention.

Your health and well-being are our top priorities. If you or a loved one is experiencing flu-like symptoms, do not hesitate to visit us for expert care and personalized treatment options. Together, we can help you recover quickly and safely, minimizing the impact of the flu on your daily life.

Visit Express Health Urgent Care if you experience severe or persistent flu symptoms that may indicate complications. A fever over 101°F lasting more than 24 hours, or not responding to medication, requires medical evaluation. Severe body aches, chills, or worsening cough with discolored mucus could point to secondary infections like pneumonia. Shortness of breath, chest pain, or pressure should be addressed immediately, as these are serious symptoms.

Extreme fatigue or weakness that interferes with daily activities warrants professional attention, as do confusion, dizziness, or delirium, especially in older adults or young children. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea lasting over 24 hours can lead to dehydration and need urgent care. Additionally, if your symptoms worsen after several days, it may signal complications that require treatment. Express Health Urgent Care offers prompt evaluation and comprehensive care to help you recover and prevent further health issues.

We emphasize the importance of addressing serious symptoms promptly. If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe dehydration, don’t hesitate to visit us for immediate care.

We provide specialized care for high-risk groups, including:

● Pregnant women
● Children under 5 years old
● Adults 65 years or older
● Those with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes)
● Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as chemotherapy patients
● Healthcare workers and caregivers for high-risk individuals

If you belong to any of these groups, visiting Express Health Urgent Care at the onset of flu symptoms can ensure timely and effective treatment through flu shots, including antiviral medications if appropriate.

If you experience respiratory distress such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing up blood-tinged sputum, visit Express Health Urgent Care immediately. Rapid or shallow breathing, along with a blue or gray tint to the skin or lips, indicates critically low oxygen levels and requires urgent evaluation. Neurological symptoms like confusion, delirium, seizures, or severe headaches, particularly in older adults, also demand prompt attention. Cardiovascular issues such as chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or severe shortness of breath may signal flu-related complications and should be assessed immediately.

Other severe flu symptoms, including a worsening cough with discolored or bloody mucus, persistent high fever, or recurring fever, may indicate a secondary infection. Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, or dehydration also require medical care. For children, signs like lack of interaction or responsiveness need swift pediatric attention. We provide timely care to address these symptoms and prevent complications.

If you or your loved ones experience any severe flu symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit Express Health Urgent Care. Our dedicated healthcare professionals are ready to provide the necessary support and treatment to prevent life-threatening complications and ensure a path to full recovery.

At Express Health Urgent Care, Dr. Frank Flores understands that distinguishing between the flu and a common cold can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. However, recognizing the key differences is crucial for effective treatment and care.

The flu, caused by the influenza virus, presents with more severe symptoms than the common cold, which is often caused by rhinoviruses. Flu symptoms include high fever, chills, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, severe headaches, and persistent cough, lasting 1-2 weeks. Cold symptoms are milder, with runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild body aches, usually resolving in 3-10 days. The flu typically appears abruptly, while cold symptoms develop gradually.

At Express Health Urgent Care, flu is treated with antiviral medications to shorten the duration and severity of symptoms. For the common cold, we offer guidance on rest and recommend over-the-counter remedies. Flu is highly contagious and can lead to complications like pneumonia and bronchitis, especially in vulnerable individuals, whereas colds typically do not cause significant complications. Whether you’re experiencing the flu or a cold, our team provides comprehensive care to manage symptoms and prevent further health issues.

Additional Differences to Consider:

● Flu Vaccine: We offer flu vaccinations to help prevent the flu.
● Fever: More common and higher in flu cases.
● Muscle Aches: More severe and widespread in flu cases.
● Fatigue: More pronounced and debilitating in flu cases.
● Nasal Discharge: Clear and watery in colds, while thick and colored in flu cases.

Both illnesses share symptoms like cough, congestion, and sore throat, but the severity and sudden onset of flu symptoms can be telling. If you suspect the flu, particularly if symptoms are severe or worsening, visiting Express Health Urgent Care for medical advice is recommended.

Take control of your health with expert flu care at Express Health Urgent Care. Dr. Frank Flores and our experienced team are here to provide prompt and effective treatment for severe flu symptoms, helping you avoid complications and recover faster. Let us help you get back to feeling your best! For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in East Harlem NYC, Metropolitan NYC, and Staten Island NYC. We serve patients from East Harlem NYC, Manhattan NY, Brooklyn NY, Metropolitan NYC, Williamsburg, NY, Greenpoint NY, Staten Island NYC, Rossville, NY, Tottenville, NY, and surrounding areas.