Flu and COVID

Urgent Care for Flu and COVID

Influenza (flu) is a common seasonal virus that most are quite familiar with. COVID-19 has become an all-too-common viral illness as well. But what is the difference between the two? Where can you go for testing and treatment? When should you get medical care? Understanding these questions will help ensure you get the care you need. CareWell Urgent Care provides comprehensive care for COVID and the flu at each of our 12 convenient locations.

When to Go to Urgent Care for the Flu

The flu may be a mild illness but can be serious in some cases. Possible complications include dehydration and pneumonia. You should seek medical help at urgent care if:

• You have a persistently high fever. This may be a temperature greater than 103°F for adults or 102° for children.
• You have a cough that isn’t clearing up.
• You are pregnant.
• You are concerned you are becoming dehydrated.
• You have a chronic condition like asthma, COPD, cancer, or an immune deficiency that may put you at risk for more severe illness.

When to Go to Urgent Care for COVID

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID that are uncomfortable or persistent, urgent care is an excellent choice for treatment.

If you are an older adult, are pregnant, or have chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, COPD, high blood pressure, obesity, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, or are immune compromised, you may be at risk for a more severe case of COVID and should consider seeking care. You may also be a candidate for certain antiviral medications.

When to Go to an ER

In the case of either the flu or COVID, you should seek help in an ER rather than urgent care for the following potentially life-threatening symptoms:

• Severe difficulty breathing.
• Blue or gray fingertips or lips.
• Persistent chest pain or pressure.
• Losing consciousness or difficulty staying awake.
• Seizures.
• Dark urine or minimal urine.

COVID vs. Flu Symptoms

The flu and COVID have certain symptoms in common, which may lead to confusion. Common symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Headache.
• Body aches.
• Fatigue.
• Cough.

COVID symptoms may include all of these, as well as:

• Nasal congestion.
• Sore throat.
• Change in taste or smell.
• Shortness of breath.
• Upset stomach.
• Diarrhea.

As you can see, though there is significant overlap in the symptoms of both, COVID can have some distinctive symptoms. One of the best ways to tell whether you have the flu or COVID is through testing.

Urgent Care Testing for Flu and COVID

Our CareWell locations are equipped with onsite labs to perform prompt testing for a wide range of illnesses, including COVID and the flu. Rapid results ensure your provider can diagnose your illness and start the appropriate treatment to ease your symptoms and get you on the road to recovery.

Rapid Flu Testing

We offer rapid testing for the two main types of influenza, flu A and flu B. A quick, easy nasal swab is all that is needed to start the testing process, with results available before you leave.

COVID-19 Testing

We offer convenient testing for the COVID-19 virus using a variety of different lab tests (rapid antigen and PCR) for various situations. Your provider can order the test that is most appropriate for you.

Flu Treatment in Urgent Care

In urgent care, our skilled providers and clinical staff will ensure you are comfortable and discuss your symptoms and any pertinent health history. You can expect a careful physical exam and possible lab work. If you test positive for flu A or flu B, treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms and may include an antiviral medication and medicine for pain and fever.

How Long Is the Flu Contagious?

You can spread the flu for about a day before developing symptoms and for at least three to four days after symptoms start. Washing your hands carefully and maintaining distance from others are important precautions to avoid spreading the flu virus while you are contagious.

COVID Treatment in Urgent Care

At CareWell, our experienced providers will check vital signs, discuss your symptoms, and order diagnostic tests if indicated. In addition to an onsite lab, our locations also offer diagnostic imaging, including X-rays. We will ensure you get the care and treatment you need. Your provider will order medication based on your symptoms and any underlying chronic conditions you may have.

CareWell: Your Trusted Home for Flu and COVID Care

From lab testing to flu shots, CareWell Urgent Care offers a full spectrum of flu and COVID services for your family, as well as care and treatment for many other conditions and symptoms. For exceptional urgent care, visit one of our locations, conveniently located throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.