As temperatures drop and socializing moves indoors, colds, the flu, and COVID-19 begin making the rounds.
The medical team at South Plains Rural Health Services helps patients prevent and treat these ailments at convenient locations in Levelland, Lamesa, and Big Spring, Texas,
As experts, our medical team also wants to educate patients on the differences among these common ailments and how they can recognize when their symptoms warrant a visit to South Plains Rural Health Services for evaluation.
Viral respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and even COVID-19 can all cause congestion, a runny nose, a sore throat, and a cough that can keep you from resting.
A cold may also give you lots of sneezing that isn’t commonly associated with influenza (flu) or COVID-19. Although you may experience a lingering cough or nasal drainage for 10-14 days, cold symptoms typically last less than a week.
Notably, a common cold can sometimes inflame the bronchial tubes, resulting in bronchitis (a chest cold) that may cause severe coughing and difficulty breathing.
On the other hand, the flu and COVID-19 frequently include:
COVID-19 is also known for changing your sense of taste or smell, sometimes leading to completely losing these senses for weeks to months.
We encourage you to consider a telemedicine visit when you’re concerned about your health. Whether you’re experiencing a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, we offer treatment that can reduce your symptoms, help you rest, and prevent worsening illness.
Otherwise, seek medical care if you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or influenza, especially if you were recently in contact with someone diagnosed with either illness.
We also recommend you see a healthcare professional if you also have other conditions that increase your risk of severe illness, including:
A weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDs, organ transplants, cancer treatments, and other chronic diseases also increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and the flu.
If caught early, antiviral therapies are often highly effective at preventing worsening illness from COVID-19. We also provide treatment that helps ease symptoms such as shortness of breath, body aches, and fever.
Vaccines are crucial to preventing serious illness from COVID-19 or the flu. We offer both vaccines.
If you feel under the weather, see a South Plains Rural Health medical professional. Our team provides convenient, affordable, high-quality healthcare for the whole family. Call the location closest to you.
