The holidays are over, it’s cold outside, and you have a cough that just won’t go away. You might know this season as “winter,” but at Access Medical Clinic, we call it “sick season.” Colder, drier air makes people more susceptible to viruses, and spending time around others indoors can exacerbate the spread of germs.
Knowing why we get sick in the winter doesn’t make us feel any better when it happens, though, especially when symptoms persist. You may find yourself asking, “Have I had this cough too long?” or “How long is too long for a runny nose?” or “Is it a cold, the flu, or Covid?” Below are some helpful indicators of what kind of virus you might have and whether or not it’s time to visit the doctor.
Symptom Check: COVID-19, Flu, or Cold
| Symptoms | COVID-19 | Flu | Cold |
| Headache | Usually | Usually | Rarely |
| Cough | Sometimes | Usually | Sometimes (dry) |
| Muscle aches | Sometimes | Usually | Never |
| Tiredness | Usually | Usually | Never |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Usually | Usually | Usually |
| Runny/stuffy nose | Usually | Usually | Usually |
| Fever | Sometimes | Usually | Rarely |
| Diarrhea | Sometimes | Sometimes (more common for children) | Usually |
| Nausea/vomiting | Sometimes | Sometimes (more common for children) | Sometimes |
| Shortness of breath/trouble breathing | Sometimes | Sometimes | Never |
| New loss of taste/smell | Sometimes (early, often without a runny/stuffy nose) | Rarely | Never |
There are several overlapping symptoms between COVID-19, the flu, and a common cold, and an official diagnosis requires at-home or in-clinic testing. In many cases, however, rest, fluids, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to ease symptoms will – literally – be the best medicine.
When do I need to visit the doctor?
Certain symptoms should be examined by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. This doesn’t mean visiting the ER, rather, your local walk-in clinic or urgent care provider can see you quickly and provide the care you need.
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention
-
- Persistent Fever: A fever’s typical duration is 3-4 days. If your fever lasts longer than that and doesn’t improve with OTC medications, seek medical attention.
-
- Chest Pain and Difficulty Breathing: The above viruses all usually come with runny or stuffy noses, and may also cause shortness of breath; however, it should not physically hurt to breathe. Chest pain could be an indicator that you have pneumonia or asthma, and you should be seen by a provider.
-
- Trouble Swallowing: Sore throats are common for colds, the flu, and COVID-19, but painful, difficult swallowing could mean a more serious infection like strep throat, which a healthcare provider can diagnose.
-
- Persistent Congestion and Headaches: Headaches, sneezing, and stuffy noses are all common symptoms, but they should clear after 7-10 days. If they continue even with medication, it’s time to seek medical care.
-
- Vomiting: Vomiting isn’t uncommon with a cold, flu, or COVID-19, but if you’re having a hard time keeping fluids down, or eating or drinking anything without vomiting, it’s time to seek medical attention.
- Persistent, Lingering Cough: Coughs are typically the last symptom to improve after a viral infection and can stick around for several weeks. However, if a cough lasts longer than 3 weeks without improving, you should visit a healthcare provider to check for underlying infections or other issues.
This sick season, if you are feeling unwell and want a professional opinion or diagnosis, we recommend visiting your nearest Access Medical Clinic location, where you can find convenient, compassionate, and high-quality care for you and your family. Be seen by an expert healthcare professional as soon as today, by easily scheduling an appointment online or walking in to your local clinic.
Insurance Information
Access Medical Clinic accepts Medicare, Medicaid, most private commercial insurance plans, cash, check, and debit/credit cards. We ask that patients pay for services at the time they are rendered. Please contact Access Medical Clinic or your insurance provider before your first visit to check if you are covered.
No one will be denied access to services due to an inability to pay; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income.
