You should consider urgent care for the flu if you are at higher risk for complications, your symptoms are getting worse, or you want testing and treatment early. Antiviral medicine works best when started within about two days of symptoms. At Urgent Care & Family Medicine Conway, you can walk in during office hours for fever, body aches, and cough.
Hit hard by fever and body aches? Get seen in Conway, SC.
What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Unlike a cold, which tends to come on gradually, the flu often hits suddenly. Common symptoms include:
- Fever or feeling feverish, with chills.
- Muscle and body aches.
- Headache.
- Extreme tiredness.
- Dry cough.
- Sore throat.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Vomiting and diarrhea, more common in children.
Not everyone with the flu has a fever. Symptoms can also overlap with COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, which is one reason testing can be helpful.
When Should You Go to Urgent Care for the Flu?
Many healthy adults with mild flu recover at home with rest and fluids. But a visit makes sense if:
- You are at higher risk for complications (see the list below).
- Your symptoms are severe or getting worse.
- You are within the first couple of days of symptoms and want to know whether antiviral medicine is right for you.
- You are not sure whether you have the flu, COVID-19, strep, or something else.
- You live with someone at high risk and want guidance on protecting them.
Who Is at Higher Risk for Flu Complications?
The flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia, especially in certain groups. People at higher risk include:
- Adults 65 and older.
- Young children, especially those under 5.
- Pregnant people and those recently pregnant.
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease.
- People with weakened immune systems.
- People living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
If you are in one of these groups, do not wait to see if you get worse. Early evaluation matters.
How Is the Flu Diagnosed?
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and when they started, check your vital signs, and listen to your lungs. A quick nasal swab test can often confirm the flu. Testing can also help rule out other illnesses that need different treatment. Our clinic offers on-site lab testing and digital x-rays, which can help if your provider is concerned about pneumonia.
How Is the Flu Treated?
For many people, treatment focuses on rest, fluids, and managing fever and aches. Your provider may also recommend antiviral medication. Antivirals can shorten the illness and lower the risk of complications, and they work best when started within about 48 hours of symptoms beginning. They are especially important for people at higher risk. Antibiotics do not treat the flu, since it is caused by a virus, but your provider may prescribe them if a bacterial complication such as pneumonia develops.
Early treatment matters. Walk in or call us first.
What Can You Do at Home to Feel Better?
- Rest as much as possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, and electrolyte drinks.
- Use fever reducers and pain relievers as directed on the label, if they are safe for you.
- Use a humidifier and honey for cough, for anyone over one year old.
- Stay home and away from others to avoid spreading the flu.
When Is the Flu an Emergency?
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Confusion, dizziness, or difficulty waking.
- Seizures.
- Bluish lips or face.
- Not urinating, or other signs of severe dehydration.
- Severe weakness or muscle pain.
- Fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens.
Read more in urgent care vs. the ER in Conway, SC.
How Long Does the Flu Last?
Most people feel better within about a week, though tiredness and cough can linger for two weeks or more. If you are not improving, or you start to feel worse after improving, contact a provider.
How Long Is the Flu Contagious?
People with the flu can spread it from about a day before symptoms start until several days after. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious longer. A good rule of thumb is to stay home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine and your other symptoms are improving.
How Can You Prevent the Flu?
An annual flu vaccine is the best way to lower your risk of getting the flu and of serious complications. Everyday habits also help: wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face, and stay home when you are sick. Ask your provider which vaccines are right for you and where to get them.
Is It the Flu, a Cold, or COVID-19?
Colds usually cause milder symptoms that come on gradually, such as a runny nose and sneezing. The flu tends to come on fast with fever, aches, and exhaustion. COVID-19 can look like either, and sometimes causes loss of taste or smell. Because symptoms overlap, testing is the most reliable way to know. Read more in when to see a doctor for a cold.
Why Choose Urgent Care & Family Medicine Conway?
Our clinic at 235 Singleton Ridge Road in Conway, SC sees walk-in patients Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We accept most major insurance plans and offer clear self-pay rates. You can always call ahead with questions. Learn more about our urgent care services.
What Should You Bring to a Flu Visit?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, and a list of your current medications and allergies. It helps to note when your symptoms started, your highest temperature, and any medications you have taken for your symptoms. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, let the staff know at check-in. See our walk-in visit checklist for more tips.
How Can You Protect Your Family When Someone Has the Flu?
The flu spreads easily through households. If someone at home is sick:
- Keep the sick person in a separate room when possible, and have them use a separate bathroom if you have one.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, phones, and remote controls.
- Do not share cups, utensils, or towels.
- Open windows or use fans to improve airflow when weather allows.
- Watch high-risk family members closely and call a provider early if they develop symptoms.
Can You Go Back to Work With the Flu?
It is best to stay home while you have a fever and for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without medicine, and until your symptoms are clearly improving. Going back too soon can spread the flu to coworkers and slow your own recovery. If your employer requires a note, ask your provider during your visit.
What Complications Can the Flu Cause?
Most people recover without problems, but the flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic conditions like asthma, heart failure, or diabetes. Paying attention to warning signs and getting care early helps reduce these risks. If you have a chronic condition, our family medicine providers can help you plan ahead for flu season.
If you are on the fence about whether to come in, call our front desk. We can help you decide whether a visit makes sense based on your symptoms and health history.
Feel better sooner. Walk in today or call us first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to urgent care for the flu?
Urgent care is a good choice if you have flu symptoms and are at higher risk for complications, are getting worse, or want to know if you have the flu. Urgent Care & Family Medicine Conway sees walk-in patients in Conway, SC. Call 843-347-2121.
How soon should I be seen for the flu?
Early is best. Antiviral medicines work best when started within about two days of symptoms beginning, especially for people at higher risk of complications.
How long is the flu contagious?
People with the flu are often contagious from about a day before symptoms start until several days after. Stay home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine and your symptoms are improving.
When is the flu an emergency?
Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, severe weakness, seizures, bluish lips, or symptoms that improve and then return with fever and worse cough.