A walk-in evaluation can help narrow down the likely cause of respiratory symptoms, but symptoms alone may not provide a definite answer. Colds, influenza, COVID-19, RSV and other infections can overlap. A provider may consider symptom timing, known exposures, medical history, examination findings and testing when appropriate. Las Caritas offers non-emergency walk-in and same-day visit options in Garland, subject to availability. Call ahead to confirm visit and testing availability. (CDC)
Cold vs flu vs COVID symptoms often overlap. Each illness can cause cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, headache, fever or chills. Flu symptoms often begin more abruptly and may be more intense than cold symptoms, while colds are more likely to cause a runny or stuffy nose. These patterns can help guide an evaluation, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis. The CDC states that flu and COVID-19 cannot be distinguished by symptoms alone because many signs are shared. (CDC)
Your age, health conditions, exposure history and symptom timing also affect what a provider considers. For a broader overview, see same-day cold, flu, fever and cough care.
A respiratory illness evaluation usually begins with questions about symptom onset, severity, exposures and health history. A provider may ask whether symptoms started suddenly, whether you have measured a fever, whether the cough produces mucus, and whether you have wheezing, chest discomfort or shortness of breath.
The examination may include checking vital signs, looking at the throat and nasal passages, and listening to the lungs. The provider then considers whether home care, testing, treatment, follow-up or evaluation at another facility may be appropriate. Not every patient needs the same tests, and one visit may not identify every possible cause. (MedlinePlus)
Las Caritas provides non-emergency walk-in care. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability, and same-day appointments may be available when scheduling permits. Review walk-in clinic and same-day visits before arriving. (Las Caritas Walk In Clinic)
Flu and COVID respiratory testing may include antigen or molecular tests, depending on the illness being considered and the services available. Molecular tests are generally more sensitive, while antigen tests can provide faster results.
Testing has limits. A single negative COVID-19 antigen test does not rule out infection, especially early in an illness. CDC and FDA guidance recommends repeat antigen testing after a negative result according to current instructions. (CDC)
Rapid influenza tests can also miss infections. The CDC notes that a negative rapid flu result does not always exclude influenza. Providers interpret results alongside symptoms, examination findings, local flu activity and specimen timing. Influenza testing is not required for every outpatient with suspected flu, although it can help guide care in some cases. (CDC)
Las Caritas does not publicly confirm every type of respiratory test. Call before visiting, and review lab testing and diagnostic services for current clinic information.
Consider same-day respiratory infection care when symptoms are worsening, interfering with hydration or normal activity, returning after improvement, or occurring in someone at higher risk of complications. Prompt advice may also be appropriate for persistent fever, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, severe weakness or a cough that is not improving.
Testing may be useful when the result could affect treatment, precautions around others, or work and caregiving decisions. A provider should decide whether testing or treatment is appropriate for your situation.
Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, persistent chest or abdominal pressure, confusion, inability to stay awake, seizures, not urinating, severe weakness, or symptoms that improve and then return worse. Do not wait for a walk-in appointment. (CDC)
To understand what a visit may involve, read what happens during a same-day sick visit.
For non-emergency cold, flu, COVID-19 or other respiratory symptoms, call Las Caritas Walk In Clinic and Family Medicine to discuss your concerns and ask about availability. Walk-ins depend on availability, and same-day appointments may be offered when scheduling permits. Confirm any specific respiratory testing before arrival. Testing, diagnosis and treatment decisions depend on provider evaluation and available services. (Las Caritas Walk In Clinic)
Helping with love and compassion, one patient at a time. Local primary care, walk-in visits, preventive care, labs, physicals, and family medicine in Garland, TX.
Walk-ins accepted based on availability.