Cold, Flu, or Something Else?By Kel Healthcare Team
Flu, Strep and Sinus Infections: When to Seek Urgent Care in Brooklyn
Cold, flu, strep or a sinus infection? Learn how they differ, when to seek urgent care in Brooklyn, and which symptoms mean you should go to the ER instead.
Introduction
A scratchy throat, a stuffed nose, a fever and aching muscles: in the fall and winter, these symptoms can mean a cold, the flu, strep throat or a sinus infection. They overlap, but the right next step is not always the same, and knowing the difference can save you a trip or a misguided course of antibiotics.
This guide helps Brooklyn residents sort out common respiratory illnesses, understand when a visit to urgent care or an acute care clinic makes sense, and recognize the symptoms that call for the ER. It builds on our overview of urgent care in Brooklyn.
Cold, Flu, Strep or Sinus Infection?
Only a clinician can tell you for sure, but these general patterns can help you decide whether to get checked.
| Condition | Common signs | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Cold | Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, mild or no fever, comes on gradually | Virus |
| Flu | Sudden fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, headache | Virus |
| Strep throat | Very sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, often without a cough or runny nose | Bacteria |
| Sinus infection | Facial pressure or pain, congestion, thick nasal discharge, symptoms lasting more than about a week | Often a virus, sometimes bacteria |
When to Seek Care
Consider a same-day visit if you have a high or persistent fever, a severe sore throat, symptoms that last longer than a week or keep getting worse, ear pain, or any symptoms that worry you. People at higher risk from the flu, such as older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions, should not wait. The CDC has an overview of influenza and who is at higher risk.
A throat swab can confirm strep throat, which is treated with antibiotics. Colds and flu are viral, so antibiotics will not help them. The CDC explains why in its guidance on antibiotic prescribing and use. For sinus symptoms, see our guide to treating a sinus infection.
What a Same-Day Visit Looks Like
At a walk-in or acute care visit, you can expect:
- Check-in and brief paperwork at the front desk.
- A review of your symptoms, vital signs, and medical history.
- An examination, and sometimes a rapid test depending on your symptoms.
- A treatment plan, which may include rest, fluids, medication or a prescription.
- Advice on warning signs and when to return.
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of medications and allergies, and a short summary of your symptoms and when they started.
Home Care and Prevention
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Stay home while you have a fever to avoid spreading illness.
- Wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes.
- Ask your provider about an annual flu vaccine. The CDC's adult immunization schedule lists current recommendations.
- Do not take leftover antibiotics or use someone else's prescription.
Walk-In Acute Care in Brooklyn
KEL Healthcare's acute care team treats colds, flu, and viral infections, sore throat, cough, sinus and ear infections and mild fevers. Walk-ins are welcome at the Brooklyn clinic at 1530 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The clinic is closed on Saturday and Sunday, so for evening or weekend illness, you will need another option. Call (718) 874-2832 to confirm hours and the current wait. See the acute care page for more.
Go to the ER If You Have
- Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Confusion, a stiff neck with fever, or difficulty staying awake
- Symptoms that improve and then suddenly return with a high fever
- Signs of dehydration, such as being unable to keep fluids down
- Sudden weakness, face drooping, or slurred speech
Review the warning signs of a stroke and heart attack so you can act quickly. In an emergency, call 911.
Conclusion
Most colds and flu clear up with rest, but some infections need treatment and some symptoms need urgent attention. When you are not sure, call a clinic and describe what you are feeling.
To be seen at KEL Healthcare's Brooklyn clinic, call (718) 874-2832 or book an appointment. For general advice on where to go, read our guide to walk-in clinic, urgent care or ER near Boerum Hill. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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