Healthcare Services

Common Cold and Flu Treatment in Houston

Common Cold

The most common of the common illnesses, the common cold can be caused by various viruses that spread through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of the common cold typically include:

• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Mild fever
• Fatigue

A common cold will typically resolve naturally with rest and ample hydration. You can get over-the-counter cold medications like decongestants from a qualified pharmacy if you are looking for symptom relief, but it’s not strictly necessary to recover.

The most severe symptoms of a common cold typically only last a few days with adequate rest and hydration, although it may take a full week to 10 days for all symptoms (like a runny nose or slightly sore throat) to completely abate.

If you or a loved one’s symptoms continue beyond 10 days, or if their symptoms are persistent, they exhibit a particularly high fever or experience difficulty breathing, you should contact your primary care physician or visit an urgent care or walk-in healthcare facility.

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza, or the flu, is an infection that causes a more severe version of many of the same symptoms as a common cold. People who are infected with the flu will usually experience:

• Sudden onset fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Headache

Despite the flu being comparatively more severe, it can usually be treated without professional intervention, though alerting your doctor is still beneficial. Many will see their symptoms dissipate after two weeks if they rest, stay hydrated and use antiviral medications shortly after symptoms appear, typically around 24 to 48 hours.

That said, if you are at higher risk of complications or have worsening symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional. The risk of complications with the flu is serious for individuals with certain pre-existing conditions as well as older people. If you or a loved one are experiencing chest pains, difficulty breathing, a persistently high fever or mental confusion, you should consult with your healthcare provider immediately. 

How to Tell Whether You Have a Cold or the Flu?

Generally speaking, you’ll know whether you have a cold or the flu by the severity of your symptoms – if they’re mild, you likely have a cold; if they’re harsh and debilitating, you likely have the flu. Flu symptoms also tend to arise more abruptly than the common cold, which might come on gradually, meaning you may be able to discern your diagnosis by the speed of the infection’s onset.

Some symptoms are more prevalent with the common cold than the flu and vice versa. For example, sneezing and congestion are more characteristic of a cold, while a fever, body aches and chills are more typical with the flu.

If you’re still unsure, or unable to discern your symptoms clearly due to being sick and foggy headed, the experienced physicians at St. Hope Healthcare can give you an accurate diagnosis and provide a thorough treatment plan to have you back on your feet sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have a cold or the flu?

With either condition, it’s important to stay home and rest while you’re still contagious. With the common cold, people may be more tempted to manage their symptoms while going about their daily life. However, even if your symptoms are mild, staying home from work or school can help speed up your recovery, limit your risk of complications and lower your risk of infecting others.

How long am I contagious if I have a cold or the flu?

While people with a cold can potentially be contagious for the full week to 10 days in which they are infected, peak contagiousness is typically in the first two or three days of symptoms developing. The flu is a little more complicated because adults can be contagious a day before their symptoms manifest and then roughly five days to a week after becoming sick. Since the flu is more serious, it’s often best to stay home for a full week after becoming sick.

If you have questions, concerns or need a doctor’s note in Houston, the team at St. Hope Healthcare is ready to assist.

Should I get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine can help protect you against the most prevalent strains of the flu in each flu season. While it’s not strictly necessary and many people may be able to avoid contracting the flu without the vaccine, others find the peace of mind it provides them more than worth it. 

That said, if you’re vulnerable or at high risk for complications, getting the flu vaccine is typically recommended. The flu can compromise your immune system and make you more vulnerable to strep throat, pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections. That’s not to mention the impact the flu can have on existing conditions, worsening the symptoms for those with asthma or heart conditions.

Providing Cold and Flu Diagnosis and Treatment in Houston for More Than 25 Years

Whether you have a cold or the flu, you’re in good hands at St. Hope Healthcare. We provide our patients with expert medical guidance and comprehensive treatment to help them get back to normal promptly. Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician and have your questions answered today through our online portal or by calling (713) 778-1300.