When to go to urgent care for the flu–and how it can help

Not sure if you need medical care for the flu? Getting the right treatment can help you feel better and avoid complications. Learn when urgent care is the best option, when telehealth can be helpful, and when flu symptoms require a trip to the emergency room.

When to go to urgent care for the flu

If you have moderate flu symptoms, visiting an urgent care clinic within 24–48 hours for antiviral medications can help you recover faster. If you are a high risk individual, or have particularly severe symptoms, medication may be helpful even when started after 48 hours. Urgent care can be a quicker, more affordable alternative to the ER. It provides rapid flu testing, antiviral prescriptions, and symptom relief treatments without a long wait.

Urgent care can diagnose and manage non-life-threatening flu symptoms, including:

• Fever over 101°F that doesn’t improve with fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Severe headaches or body aches
• Sore throat or worsening cough
• Mild to moderate dehydration, as indicated by thirst, less frequent urination, darker urine, or lightheadedness

When should adults go to the ER for the flu?

Adults with severe flu symptoms that could be life-threatening need to go to the ER, including: 

• A fever over 104°F
• Trouble breathing
• Gray or blue lips
• Confusion,
• Severe dehydration,
• Severe pain that requires emergency care and equipment. 

These symptoms may signal serious problems, such as pneumonia or sepsis. 

When should you take children to the ER for the flu?

Take children to the ER if they are breathing too fast or have difficulty breathing. If your child is severely dehydrated, has a persistent high fever, or has difficulty waking up or walking, seek emergency care right away. If your child’s lips, face, or fingers turn blue, call 911 immediately. 

Severe flu symptoms can worsen faster in children than in adults, and some symptoms indicate potentially life-threatening complications that require immediate emergency care. Children under five and infants also show different warning signs and responses to serious flu complications than adults. Any fever (100.4°F or higher) is a medical emergency for infants under 3 months old, and warrants immediate evaluation..

Watch for the following signs that your infant or child may need emergency medical care:

• Breathing: The signs your child or infant is in respiratory distress may include labored breathing, where the muscles in their neck, chest, or abdomen are visibly straining and working too hard to breathe. Wheezing or high-pitched sounds during breathing are also a cause for concern. Rapid breathing, known as tachypnea, is diagnosed when a child’s breaths per minute are consistently above typical age-based ranges:
  
  • Infants (0-12 months): 30–60 breaths per minute
  • Toddlers (1–2 years): 24–40 breaths per minute
  • Preschoolers (3–5 years): 22–34 breaths per minute
  • School-age (6–12 years): 18–30 breaths per minute
  • Teens (13–18 years): 12–20 breaths per minute
    
• Cyanosis: If your child experiences severe flu symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, a high fever, or extreme fatigue, and their lips, face, or fingers appear bluish, gray, or purplish, seek emergency care immediately. This change in their normal skin color may indicate low oxygen levels in the blood, and the brain, body, and organs are not getting enough oxygen.
• Severe muscle pain: If a child refuses to walk, is crying, is overly irritable when touched or asked to move, and cannot be comforted, this is cause for concern and may indicate worsening flu symptoms. Severe chest pain accompanying other flu-like symptoms also indicates that you should seek emergency care.
• Severe dehydration: Proper hydration is essential for children and infants fighting illness and recovering from the flu. If there is little to no urine, dark urine, or no wet diapers for eight hours or more, no tears when a child is crying, sunken eyes, dry mouth and lips, extreme thirst, dizziness, or severe lethargy, seek emergency care. Seek emergency care if persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea prevents proper hydration and nourishment. 
• Fever: The threshold for a fever in children is an oral temperature at or above 100.4°F. Any infant fever is a cause for concern, and you should speak with a doctor immediately. Seek emergency care immediately for an infant three months old or younger with a fever. A persistent high fever of 104°F or above, a fever that worsens or lasts longer than 48 hours, or a fever not responding to medication requires immediate medical attention. 
• Seizures: Sometimes, fever from the flu can cause children to have febrile seizures. This type of seizure causes the body to shake, jerk, or convulse and sometimes causes loss of consciousness. See a doctor as soon as possible after your child’s first seizure. If your child experiences multiple seizures, if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or is accompanied by vomiting, pain, or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately and seek emergency care.

When to use telehealth for the flu

Telehealth is ideal for moderate flu symptoms. Your doctor can assess your symptoms, respiratory status, hydration status, etc. and prescribe antivirals, and recommend home care or in-person treatment. 

Telehealth appointments for urgent care are an excellent first step because the first 24 hours of the flu are crucial. A healthcare professional will assess whether your condition requires in-person care or can be managed at home with appropriate guidance. It provides a convenient option for flu care, especially when:

• You want to avoid spreading illness.
• You need a prescription for antiviral medication within the first 48 hours of symptoms.
• You’re unsure if your symptoms warrant an in-person visit.
• You have trouble walking or lack transportation.
• You want medical advice about coping with symptoms at home.
• You need follow-up care after an in-person visit.

When to call 911 for flu symptoms

Call 911 right away if your flu symptoms turn into a medical emergency. Warning signs include breathing trouble, a high fever that won’t go down with medicine, chest pain, seizures, confusion, or fainting. These symptoms could signal a life-threatening complication that requires immediate emergency care and transport to the hospital.

You can manage most flu cases at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. However, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. 

Emergencies that warrant calling 911 include:

• Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure that won’t go away
• Confusion or sudden dizziness
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Losing consciousness, fainting, or having difficulty awakening 
• Blueish lips or fingers or discoloration of skin that appears blue, gray, or purple
• Seizures
• Signs of severe dehydration with inability to take fluids like not urinating
• Extreme irritability (in children)
• Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to flu medication

Where to go for flu treatment

What can urgent care do for the flu?

Urgent care bridges the gap between your primary care doctor and the ER. It’s ideal for flu cases with symptoms that need prompt in-person medical attention but aren’t life-threatening. Clinics may provide faster, on-demand service than primary care and can be more affordable than ER visits for non-life-threatening flu cases.

In addition to antiviral medications that target the influenza virus directly, like Tamiflu, Relenza, and Xofluza, urgent care providers may prescribe other medications for specific symptoms. These include prescription-strength cough suppressants for severe, persistent cough, anti-nausea medications to help control upset stomach and vomiting, bronchodilators for difficulty breathing, or antibiotics if they suspect a bacterial infection like sinusitis, pneumonia, or an upper respiratory infection.

Urgent care appointments typically involve:

• Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, their progression, and any potential flu exposures.
• Physical examination: Your doctor will check your temperature, listen to your lungs, examine your throat and ears, and assess for dehydration or respiratory distress.
• Rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT): A simple nose or throat swab can often detect viral antigens in about 10-15 minutes. While these tests aren’t 100% accurate (sometimes producing false negatives), they help confirm suspected cases.
• Clinical judgment: Even with testing, doctors also use their expertise to diagnose, especially during peak flu season, when the likelihood of contracting the flu is high.
• Additional testing: Providers may order additional tests for you, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, to test for COVID-19 or request diagnostics like a chest X-ray to rule out complications like pneumonia. 

Fast, accurate rapid flu testing can help doctors target the proper treatment and reduce unnecessary prescriptions​. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, “Clinical Impact of Rapid Point-of-Care PCR Influenza Testing in an Urgent Care Setting: A Single-Center Study,” compared two point-of-care (POC) tests used by urgent care clinics. The authors found that patients who tested positive for the flu with POC polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were more likely to receive antivirals (82.4%) than those tested with the standard POC rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) method (69.9%). More importantly, patients who tested negative for the flu with POC PCR test were less likely to be prescribed unnecessary medication than those who tested negative for POC RIDT and follow-up lab testing.

What to expect to happen at an urgent care flu visit

For your visit to urgent care, expect a check-in procedure with paperwork and insurance documentation. Urgent care staff will then admit you, and a medical professional will measure your vital signs, assess your symptoms, and perform a comprehensive physical examination. Plan for the visit to last one hour or more.

You may be tested for the flu, given medication, and receive a prescription for antiviral medication to pick up at your local pharmacy. Urgent care clinics provide IV fluids for dehydration, may administer oxygen, and screen for complications like pneumonia.

Rapid flu tests in urgent care can help patients get the right treatment quickly. A 2023 study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, “The Influence of Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Testing on Clinician Decision-Making for Patients With Acute Respiratory Infection in Urgent Care,” found that when patients tested positive for the flu, they were over 10 times more likely to receive antiviral medication. The researchers concluded that using flu tests in urgent care leads to better treatment, helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics, and may reduce serious flu complications.

The typical urgent care visit for the flu might follow this process:

1. Check-in: You’ll provide insurance information and explain the reason for the visit.
2. Vitals check: A nurse or medical assistant performs the initial assessment and takes your vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels).
3. Medical evaluation: You discuss your symptoms, including onset, severity, and what treatments you’ve tried. A doctor (or a physician assistant or nurse practitioner) performs a physical examination.
4. Testing: You undergo diagnostic testing (rapid flu test, COVID-19 test, strep test, or chest X-ray if pneumonia is suspected). 
5. Treatment plan: The doctor discusses the plan, which may include:
   • Prescription for antiviral medication
   • Medication for symptom relief
   • IV fluids if you’re dehydrated
   • Instructions for at-home treatment and self-care 
   • A discussion about warning signs that would necessitate follow-up or emergency care.
   • The doctor provides medical documentation to excuse you from work if required
6. Patient discharge: You are discharged as a patient, and payment is processed if required

How urgent care can help a flu patient

Who faces the greatest risk from the flu?

The flu can be dangerous for anyone, but some people face a greater risk, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with health issues like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. These groups have an increased chance of serious complications and should seek medical care promptly when experiencing flu symptoms.

Knowing who is most at risk helps prepare for flu season and prevent illness. If you are in a high-risk group, consider vaccinating for influenza annually and promptly seeking medical attention at the onset of your flu symptoms. 

Groups at high risk for developing complications from the flu virus include:

• Adults over the age of 65
• Children younger than 5, especially children under 6 months
• People with pre-existing conditions
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Pregnant women and those up to two weeks postpartum
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• People with chronic medical conditions:
  • Asthma and other lung diseases (COPD, cystic fibrosis).
  • Heart disease (heart failure, coronary artery disease)
  • Diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
  • Kidney or liver disorders
  • Blood disorders (sickle cell disease, thalassemia)
  • Neurological conditions (cerebral palsy, seizure disorders)
• People with compromised immunity from:
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer treatment
  • Organ transplants
  • Other immune-suppressing medications, like certain steroid injections

Potential flu complications to watch for

Potential flu complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, and sinus infections. Less commonly, you might develop heart problems, organ failure, or sepsis. Most flu cases get better on their own, but even a mild flu can take a serious turn. 

Monitor early symptoms as they may progress from mild to moderate to severe complications. Knowing potential flu complications at the onset of symptoms helps you plan for the right care for faster intervention and recovery.

See a doctor if your symptoms worsen or take an unexpected turn. Watch for a persistent high fever, trouble breathing, chest pain, or symptoms that seem to improve but suddenly worsen. These are signs of a serious complication that may need immediate medical care.

According to Dr. Brian Knox, MD, “It is important to seek care if you are worsening. I have had several patients who rightfully treated their symptoms at home, but did not come see me when they were getting worse until it was so bad that they needed to be intubated in the ICU.  Those are missed opportunities to avoid a serious hospitalization.”

Here is a closer look at potential flu complications to monitor:

• Pneumonia: The most common serious flu complication, pneumonia occurs when an infection spreads to the lungs, filling them with fluid. Symptoms include persistent high fever, productive cough with yellow/green or bloody mucus, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Severe pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious complication that may require intensive care and oxygen support with a ventilator.  
• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes can cause chest discomfort, persistent cough with mucus, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• Bacterial infections: Ear infections and sinus infections are bacterial infections that can develop after initial flu symptoms and may require antibiotic treatment.
• Myocarditis and pericarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle or the sac surrounding the heart can occur, presenting as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).
• Encephalitis and meningitis: Though rare, the flu can lead to inflammation of the brain or the tissues surrounding it, causing confusion, seizures, and severe headaches.
• Multi-organ failure: In severe cases, the flu can trigger a system-wide inflammatory response that damages multiple organs.
• Sepsis: This life-threatening condition occurs when the body’s response to infection damages its tissues and organs.

How to reduce flu symptoms

Recognizing flu symptoms early can help you deal with them more effectively. There’s no cure, but antivirals and OTC medications can help. So can rest, fluids, and steam therapy. 

Knowing how to identify flu symptoms and ways to find relief can make you more comfortable and help you avoid serious problems. Starting antiviral medication within 48 hours of feeling sick may reduce the duration of the flu and lessen the severity of your symptoms. 

Not everyone with the flu will have a fever. Initially, your cough may not produce much mucus. If the upper respiratory tract is affected, you might experience a runny or stuffy nose. Muscle aches can help distinguish the flu from a common cold, and fatigue results from the body’s immune response to the influenza virus. You may also sweat more and experience chills.

These steps can help you reduce symptoms:

• Rest: Sleep and rest help direct your body’s resources toward recovery.
• Hydration: Fluids help prevent dehydration caused by fever. Good options include water, herbal tea, clear broth, and electrolyte supplements or electrolytes from drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte.
• Over-the-counter medications: OTC medications can significantly relieve symptoms. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can reduce fever and relieve body aches. Decongestants can help clear nasal passages, and cough suppressants can alleviate persistent coughing. Remember to read the label carefully for any OTC medicine or remedy. 
• Prescription antivirals: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir (Xofluza) can reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms if started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Remember to consult a healthcare provider before combining medications. This is especially true if you have other conditions or take multiple medications. The best results occur if you start these medications within 48 hours, but high-risk individuals may still benefit if treatment starts later.
• Humidity: A humidifier or steam therapy can help you loosen mucus, ease nasal congestion, and soothe a dry or irritated throat caused by the flu.

What at-home treatments for flu symptoms do doctors recommend until you seek treatment?  

If you’re prepared for flu season, you can usually find some relief from mild symptoms with doctor-recommended at-home treatments. Doctors recommend rest and drinking plenty of clear fluids. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and fever reducers are also highly recommended by doctors. 

These at-home treatments can help you manage your symptoms and provide some more comfort until you decide to speak with a doctor or seek treatment:

• Manage fatigue: Give your body the energy to fight infection by getting plenty of sleep and limiting physical activity. Staying home and isolating also prevents spreading the virus to others.
• Stay hydrated: Drink fluids like water, broth, and electrolyte drinks. Fever, sweating, and rapid breathing can lead to dehydration, which worsens fatigue and headaches.
• Take fever reducers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and relieve body aches. Follow directions and consult a doctor before giving any medication to children.
• Manage cough and sore throat: Gargling with warm salt water several times daily can help soothe a sore throat. Mix honey with warm water or tea to help ease a sore throat and cough in adults and children over 12 months. Use lozenges to temporarily relieve your sore throat or irritation from a persistent cough.
• Relieve congestion: Saline nasal sprays can help relieve your congestion. Placing a warm, damp washcloth over your sinuses can ease discomfort and eye pain from the pressure. Adding moisture to the air can ease congestion and coughing. A humidifier or steam from the shower will moisten nasal passages and help ease congestion. Saline nasal sprays can also help to clear your nasal passages. Use extra pillows to elevate your head while sleeping to help with sinus drainage.

How Doctor On Demand can assist with the flu

Start a virtual visit today if you’re experiencing flu symptoms and need help. Doctor On Demand connects you with board-certified healthcare providers in minutes. Whether your symptoms are mild or worsening, our 24/7/365 virtual care can provide fast answers, treatment options, and prescription medication conveniently from home.

If medication is necessary, Doctor On Demand’s telehealth urgent care providers can write prescriptions for antiviral medicine and other prescription-strength medication and send them directly to your preferred pharmacy. They can discuss OTC treatments to ease congestion. During your visit, the provider will:

• Evaluate your symptoms: Discuss how long your chest congestion has lasted and if you have a fever, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
• Determine the likely cause: The doctor will diagnose whether it’s likely a viral infection, bacterial illness, allergies, or another condition.
• Recommend treatment: Get guidance on at-home care, prescriptions if needed, and when to seek further care.

Doctor On Demand makes it easy to get convenient flu treatment and prescriptions from the comfort of your home. While most flu cases can be treated with a virtual visit, your doctor will let you know if additional care or an in-person evaluation at an urgent care clinic or the emergency room is needed. If you have signs of pneumonia or a worsening condition, the doctor will advise you on what to do next. 

How to prepare for your Doctor On Demand visit for the flu

A virtual visit with the board-certified medical providers at Doctor On Demand is quick and convenient. You can make a few simple preparations to help the doctor give you better care:  

• Find a good spot in your home: Choose a peaceful, well-lit spot so your doctor can see and hear you. 
• Document your symptoms: Before your visit, jot down a few details about your flu symptoms, including:
  • When did your symptoms start, and have they worsened over time?
  • Note details about fever, shortness of breath, feeling tired (fatigue), wheezing, or coughing up mucus.
  • Tell the doctor if you’ve had other recent illnesses or allergies.
• Have a thermometer handy: If available, have a thermometer and a pulse oximeter. These can help your doctor evaluate the severity of your symptoms. The doctor may request that you perform simple self-examinations under their guidance, so additional lighting from a lamp, flashlight, or smartphone may be useful. 
• List medications and history: Share any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Also, be ready to discuss any existing health conditions you have.
• Prepare questions for your doctor: List any questions you have about your flu symptoms and treatment plan. 

Doctor-Answered Flu FAQs

Do you still have questions about the flu? Our team gathered the most common flu concerns and frequently asked questions from Doctor on Demand patients, and our medical professionals answered them here. 

Does urgent care test for flu?

Yes, urgent care clinics test for flu with rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) that deliver prompt results. These tests involve a simple nasal or throat swab and help providers confirm the diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment options for patients with flu-like symptoms. 

Does urgent care test for different flu strains?

Urgent care uses rapid tests to detect the two main flu types (A or B viruses). Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) don’t distinguish between specific flu subtypes (H1N1 or H3N2). Specialized laboratories test for precise strain identification, which urgent care can arrange if medically necessary.

Your urgent care provider might send a sample to a reference laboratory for a more detailed analysis during novel flu outbreaks or if you have severe symptoms or a compromised immune system. This process takes longer but provides more comprehensive results that might be important for public health surveillance.

How long does a flu test take at urgent care?

A rapid flu test typically provides results in 30 minutes or less at urgent care. While you wait for results, the provider can discuss your medical history, conduct your examination, and discuss your symptoms. 

Does urgent care prescribe medicine to treat the flu?

Urgent care providers prescribe medicine to treat the flu, including antiviral treatment. Your urgent care provider will consider your age, the severity and duration of your flu symptoms, and your risk factors for complications. They’ll also provide guidance on over-the-counter options for your symptoms.

How do I know if my flu is serious?

You should take your flu seriously if you have trouble breathing, ongoing chest pain, confusion, extreme weakness, or severe dehydration. Consider a telehealth visit if you’re unsure how serious your condition is. This can help you decide whether to go to an urgent care clinic or an emergency room.

Other warning signs that indicate a serious flu case include:

• Persistent high fever above 102°F that doesn’t respond to fever reducers.
• Coughing up blood or bloody mucus.
• Severe headache or stiff neck.
• Inability to stay awake or maintain alertness.
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
• Symptoms lasting more than 7-10 days without improvement.

How long should the flu last before seeing a doctor?

Most people should see a doctor for the flu if symptoms haven’t improved after the first week, a fever persists or doesn’t respond to medicine, or symptoms worsen. High-risk individuals (elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions) should seek care at the first signs of flu.

People at higher risk for complications, including adults over 65, infants and young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions, should seek prompt medical care even if flu symptoms seem relatively mild initially.

Mild symptoms in a healthy adult might warrant waiting it out, while moderate to severe symptoms should prompt you to seek earlier care. Consider these timeframes for seeking medical attention:

• Immediately: If you develop warning signs of a flu emergency with complications like difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe fever of 104°F or above.
• 48 hours: If you want antiviral medication like Tamiflu, which works best when started early during the onset of symptoms.
• 3-4 days: If fever persists or other symptoms aren’t improving.

When do flu symptoms peak?

It varies, but most flu symptoms peak between the first 3-7 days of illness. Early symptoms, like fever and body aches, are the most intense. Symptoms like cough and fatigue may persist longer. Worsening symptoms after this timeline may signal complications and a need to seek medical care. 

Does urgent care do flu vaccine shots?

Urgent care clinics provide seasonal flu vaccines throughout the flu season. Check to verify if you need an appointment. Although insurance typically covers the cost of vaccinations, they are reasonably priced, and you can purchase them without insurance.

Urgent care centers can be a good option for getting your annual flu shot, especially if you:

• Missed getting vaccinated at your primary care provider
• Don’t have a regular doctor
• Need vaccination outside normal business hours
• Want to get vaccinated without scheduling an appointment

In addition to the standard flu shot, many urgent care facilities offer:

• High-dose flu vaccines or an adjuvanted vaccine for adults 65 and older
• Preservative-free options for those with specific allergies
• Nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) for eligible patients who prefer to avoid injections

The urgent care staff will review your health background to ensure you receive the appropriate vaccine formulation. They can also answer questions about potential side effects, such as low-grade fever or mild body aches.

Is it okay to get the flu shot if you already have the flu?

Yes, influenza vaccination is recommended after a recent flu. There are many different types of flu viruses. Vaccination can lower the risk of becoming ill from other flu virus strains. You should wait until you’ve recovered from illness before receiving a flu vaccination.

Doctors recommend seasonal flu vaccination because strains of flu change yearly, and vaccine manufacturers develop new influenza vaccines to cope with those strains. The immunity you acquire from the flu is specific to that strain. Getting the flu shot after a recent flu virus can protect you from other strains you may not have contracted. The flu season typically lasts until May, so vaccination can offer protection.   

Can urgent care diagnose the flu​?

Urgent care centers can diagnose the flu through clinical evaluation, examination, and rapid diagnostic testing. Providers assess your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and test to confirm influenza infection and determine the appropriate treatment.

Many urgent care centers can also test for other respiratory infections, such as COVID-19, RSV, or strep throat, during the same visit if symptoms suggest these possibilities.