Cold, Cough, and Flu

Urgent Care located in Winston Salem, NC

Cold, Cough, and Flu services offered in Winston Salem, NC

Cold, cough, and flu are common illnesses, particularly during the winter months. Adults typically have 2-3 colds each year, and children often have more. At Doctor's Own Urgent Care in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Trent Dietsche, DO, and the team diagnose and provide treatment recommendations for these illnesses and their bothersome symptoms. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Doctor's Own Urgent Care by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.

What are colds, coughs, and flu?

Cold and flu are respiratory illnesses that can cause coughing and other problematic symptoms. While there’s no cure for a cold or flu, treatment helps minimize your symptoms and accelerate recovery.

Doctor's Own Urgent Care provides diagnostic testing (on-site PCR testing) for flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and strep throat to obtain reliable results with same-day treatment options.

What are the symptoms of a cold, cough, or flu?

A cold, cough, flu, and other respiratory illnesses may cause the following symptoms:

Sore throat
Frequent coughing
Wheezing
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Sneezing
Itchy or watery eyes
Muscle or body aches
Fatigue
Headaches
Loss of taste or smell
High or long-lasting fever
Difficulty breathing

Your symptoms may be mild and clear up within a few days or severe and crippling. Sometimes, they last a week or longer without effective treatment.

What increases the risk of cold, cough, and flu?

The risk of colds and flu typically increase during flu season (late fall and winter months). Risk factors for developing severe symptoms include being a young child, older adult, or person with a weakened immune system because of an injury or disease.

Exposure to people exhibiting symptoms of colds and flu is another risk factor. Respiratory illnesses often spread via exposure to an infected person who coughs, talks, or sneezes next to you or touches the same shared surfaces.

Do I have a cold, cough, or flu?

To determine which respiratory condition you may have, a Doctor's Own Urgent Care expert checks your vital signs, discusses your medical history and symptoms, and completes a physical exam. You might undergo a nasal or throat swab, blood test, or on-site X-rays to confirm a diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan.

What are the treatments for colds, coughs, and flu?

Your personalized treatment for a cold, coughing, flu, strep throat, COVID-19, or other respiratory conditions may include:

Rest and fluids
Healthy, nutrient-dense foods
Dietary supplements
Over-the-counter medications
Prescription antiviral medications
Oxygen therapy
Intravenous (IV) fluids

If you need care from another specialist or a hospital because of a severe respiratory condition or difficulty breathing, Doctor's Own Urgent Care provides referrals. The staff follows up to ensure your treatment is effective and long-lasting.

Take time off work or avoid close contact with other people to reduce the risk of spreading an illness. Call the Doctor's Own Urgent Care office at any time with questions or concerns.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Doctor’s Own Urgent Care by phone or request one online today for a severe cold, cough, or flu. Walk-ins are welcome.