Immediate Colds & Flu Treatment in Chicago & Naperville
Cold, Flu, or Something Worse? Get Tested & Treated at Our Urgent Care.
A cold is a common viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. While it is usually mild, symptoms can become severe and require medical attention.
Cold or Flu? Get tested and treated in one visit!
Visit our walk-in clinics in Naperville and Chicago for fast, reliable treatment for colds and upper respiratory infections without waiting or being delayed.
Cold Immediate Care in Naperville & Chicago – Walk-In Urgent Care
Things to Know About Colds
Colds spread through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces. They are most common during colder months but can occur year-round.
While most colds clear up in a few days, some cases lead to complications like:
- sinus infections
- bronchitis
- or pneumonia.
Seeking immediate care when symptoms worsen is crucial for a quick recovery.
Symptoms of Colds
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing and coughing
- Sore throat
- Mild fever or chills
- Fatigue and body aches
- Headache or sinus pressure
If symptoms persist or worsen, visit our urgent care clinic for same-day evaluation and treatment.
At What Point Should You Go to Urgent Care for a Cold?
Most colds resolve on their own, but medical attention is necessary if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- High fever (over 102°F)
- Persistent cough lasting more than 10 days
- Severe sore throat with white patches
- Symptoms that worsen after initial improvement
Our immediate care services in Naperville & Chicago ensure you receive quick and effective treatment.
What Can an Urgent Clinic Like Us Do for a Cold or the Flu?
At First Choice Immediate Care, we offer:
- On-spot testing for flu, strep throat, and other infections
- Symptom relief treatments for congestion, cough, and fever
- Antiviral medications (if diagnosed early with the flu)
- Hydration and supportive care for faster recovery
- Guidance on home remedies and medications
Walk into our medical clinic today for expert care without the long wait.
Benefits of Visiting an Urgent Care for Cold Symptoms
No appointment needed: Walk in anytime
Same-day evaluation and treatment
Quick relief with personalised medical attention
Cost-effective care compared to ER visits
Extended hours for your convenience
How Do You Get Rid of a Cold Urgently?
While colds typically take time to run their course, you can speed up recovery by:
- Staying hydrated and drinking warm fluids
- Getting plenty of rest
- Taking over-the-counter medications for fever and congestion
- Using humidifiers or steam inhalation
- Seeking urgent care for severe symptoms
- Maintain good hand hygiene.
- Wear masks during the flu season.
- And avoid touching the face to reduce infection risks.
When should you choose urgent care vs. ER for a cold?
Not every cold requires a doctor’s visit, but some require immediate medical attention. Knowing when to visit urgent care or the emergency room (ER) can save you time and money while ensuring you receive the proper care.
Go to the ER if You Have
- Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Bluish lips, face, or fingernails (signs of low oxygen)
- Confusion or inability to stay awake
- High fever (above 103°F) with chills or dehydration
If your symptoms are life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. However, urgent care is the faster, more affordable option for most colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections.
Difference Between Cold, Flu, and COVID-19
What do you have? Visit our medical clinic for a rapid test.
Symptoms | Common Cold | Flu | Covid |
Runny Nose | Yes | Rare | Yes |
Fever | Rare | Yes | Yes |
Body Aches | Mild | Severe | Severe |
Cough | Mild | Severe | Severe |
Loss of Taste/Smell | No | No | Yes |
Diet That Aids in Cold
Eating the right foods can help your immune system fight off infections.
Recommended foods include:
- Vitamin C-rich fruits (oranges, kiwis, strawberries)
- Warm soups and broths to ease congestion
- Ginger and honey for sore throat relief
- Probiotic-rich foods (yoghurt, kefir) to support gut health
Cold Treatment for Children
Children are more vulnerable to colds and flu. We provide pediatric urgent care to ensure their comfort and quick recovery.
Our doctors offer:
- Fever management with safe medications
- Hydration therapy for dehydration risks
- Flu testing and antiviral treatment
- Guidance for parents on home care
Visit Urgent Care in Naperville & Chicago for
Persistent or worsening symptoms lasting more than 10 days
Severe congestion, cough, or sore throat affects daily life
Fever over 101°F that doesn’t improve with medication
Sinus pain or pressure suggesting a secondary infection
Mild breathing difficulties without chest pain
FAQs About Urgent Care for Colds & Flu
How do you know if a cold is more serious?
If symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen over time, or include fever over 102°F, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, visit our urgent care clinic immediately.
What is the fastest way to stop a cold?
- Rest
- hydrate
- and take over-the-counter medications.
If symptoms persist or worsen, our walk-in medical clinic offers quick treatment.
Should I go to urgent care for a cough?
If your cough is:
- severe
- lasts over two weeks
- or is accompanied by shortness of breath
visit First Choice Immediate Care for evaluation.
What is considered the cold and flu season?
Cold and flu season typically runs from October to March, but cases can occur year-round.
Is there a vaccine for the common cold?
No, but flu shots can reduce the risk of severe illness. Visit our clinic for vaccination services.
What is an upper respiratory infection (URI)?
A viral infection affects the nose, throat, and sinuses, often causing cold-like symptoms.
What should I do if my child has the flu?
- Monitor symptoms
- keep them hydrated
- and seek urgent care if they experience high fever, breathing difficulty, or dehydration.
Immediate Care for Cold Emergencies
At First Choice Immediate Care, our walk-in clinics in Naperville and Chicago offer same-day evaluation, on-site testing, and fast treatment to help patients recover quickly.
Cold Medicine to Have on Hand
Keep these essentials at home for quick relief:
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain
- Decongestants for nasal congestion
- Cough syrup or lozenges for throat relief
- Electrolyte drinks for hydration
At First Choice Immediate Care, we provide fast, reliable cold treatment in Naperville and Chicago.
No appointment? No problem! Walk in today and get the care you need.
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