Feeling hot, achy and worn out? We treat the flu, colds and fevers at our walk-in urgent care clinics in Baytown and Crosby. Our ER-experienced physicians can tell you whether it is a cold, the flu or another infection, with COVID-19, flu and RSV testing on site. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are available but not required.
Should I see a doctor for the flu or a cold?
See a doctor if your illness came on suddenly with fever, chills, body aches and extreme weakness, because that pattern points to the flu more than a cold. A visit lets us confirm whether it is a cold, the flu or another infection. When the flu is caught early, antiviral medication can shorten the illness and ease symptoms.
Cold or flu: how to tell the difference
A cold is a mild viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. It usually brings congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, a cough, a mild sore throat and some tiredness. Cold symptoms are often mild.
The flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness. It tends to start suddenly and hit harder, with fever, chills, headache, body aches, a dry cough and extreme weakness. The flu is more severe than a cold and lasts longer. Read why the flu can be dangerous.
COVID-19 and RSV also circulate during flu season, and their symptoms overlap. COVID-19 often brings loss of taste or smell and fatigue. Because these illnesses look so alike, testing is the clearest way to know what you have and how to treat it.
How we help with flu, colds and fever
Flu
We confirm the flu with testing and can prescribe antiviral medication when it is caught early. Antivirals work best when they start as soon as possible.
Colds and coughs
Colds are often mild, but we can rule out more serious conditions and offer relief if symptoms hang on. A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks deserves a closer look. Learn when a cough is a worry.
Fever
A temperature of 100.4°F or higher is generally considered a fever. We look for the cause and recommend treatment or next steps. Parents can read our guide to fevers in children.
Complications
The flu can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections. We treat complications, and on-site digital X-ray can check the chest when needed.
Care at home
Rest, drink water, tea or broth, use a humidifier for congestion and take over-the-counter medicine as directed. For a fever, wear light clothing and keep the room cool but not cold.
Flu shots
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. Walk in for a flu shot in Baytown or Crosby. It takes about 10 minutes.
What happens at your visit
Here is what to expect when you come in sick.
- Walk in or book ahead. Walk in to either clinic, or request an appointment if you prefer a set time.
- Vitals and exam. A nurse checks your temperature and listens to your heart. A physician asks about your symptoms, examines your ears and throat and listens to your lungs.
- Testing if needed. We can test for flu, COVID-19 and RSV on site. Our on-site lab and digital X-ray help rule out other problems.
- Treatment plan. Your plan may include antiviral medication for the flu, other prescriptions and home care advice. Prescriptions are sent electronically, and there is a pharmacy in the building that is operated independently.
Why patients choose Urgentcare MDs
- ✓Walk-ins welcome. Appointments are available but not required.
- ✓ER-experienced physicians. Our clinics are staffed by physicians with emergency room experience.
- ✓Testing on site. On-site lab testing and digital radiology, with X-rays read by board-certified radiologists.
- ✓Open 7 days a week. Evenings and weekends, to fit busy lives.
- ✓Most major insurance accepted. Urgent care usually costs less than the ER and has shorter waits.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV compared
All three are contagious respiratory infections that spread mainly through droplets from talking, coughing and sneezing. Here is how they differ.
| Flu | COVID-19 | RSV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How symptoms start | Suddenly, 1 to 4 days after exposure | Gradually, 2 to 14 days after exposure | Within a few days |
| Main symptoms | Fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, runny nose | Fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat | Fever, cough, wheezing, runny nose, rapid breathing |
| Season | Outbreaks in fall and winter | Can spread year-round | Peaks in late fall and winter |
| Possible complications | Pneumonia, sinus infections, ear infections | Pneumonia, organ damage, blood clots | Pneumonia, bronchiolitis, croup |
| Most at risk | Young children, older adults, people with weak immune systems | Older adults, people with weak immune systems | Infants, young children, older adults, people with weak immune systems |
When to go to the ER instead
Urgent care is for minor, non-life-threatening illness. Go to the nearest emergency room for:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- A fever with seizures or unresponsiveness
- Loss of consciousness
- A sudden, severe headache, or a fever with a stiff neck
- A headache with vision changes, confusion or weakness
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. See ER or urgent care?
Visit Our Baytown and Crosby Clinics
Walk in at either Urgentcare MDs clinic, open 7 days a week. We also welcome patients from nearby communities, including Mont Belvieu, Highlands, La Porte, Cove, Huffman, Barrett and Sheldon.
Baytown Urgent Care
1658 West Baker Rd
Baytown, TX 77521
Phone: (281) 428-0000
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Crosby Urgent Care
14405 FM 2100, Ste. B
Crosby, TX 77532
Phone: (832) 821-9780
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Flu, cold and fever FAQs
Where can I see a flu doctor near me in Baytown or Crosby?
Walk in to Urgentcare MDs in Baytown or Crosby. We treat the flu, colds and fevers, and we offer COVID-19, flu and RSV testing. Our clinics are staffed by ER-experienced physicians. Appointments are available but not required, and we are open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.
Do I need an appointment for flu or fever care?
No. Walk-ins are welcome at our Baytown and Crosby urgent care clinics, and appointments are available but not required. If you would rather have a set time, call the clinic or request an appointment online. We are open evenings and weekends too.
Do you take insurance for flu and cold visits?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans, though some services depend on your insurance. For minor illnesses like the flu or a cold, urgent care usually costs less than the emergency room and has shorter waits. Call your clinic if you have a question about your coverage.
Can you prescribe Tamiflu or other flu medicine?
Yes, when it fits your case. If you test positive for the flu, especially if you are at higher risk for complications, a provider may prescribe an antiviral such as Tamiflu or Xofluza. Antivirals can shorten the illness and ease symptoms, but they need to start as soon as possible.
Will antibiotics help my cold or flu?
No. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, and colds and the flu are caused by viruses. Taking antibiotics you do not need can lead to antibiotic resistance. If a bacterial infection is confirmed, a provider can decide whether antibiotics are the right treatment.
When should I see a doctor for a fever?
Get checked for a fever of 104°F or higher, a fever of 100.4°F or higher in an infant under 3 months or a young child, or a fever with fatigue, dizziness, confusion or shortness of breath. A high fever that does not come down with fever-reducing medicine also needs a visit.
Is it safe to treat a fever at home?
Many fevers can be managed at home with rest, fluids, light clothing and an age-appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Lukewarm sponging can also help. Never give aspirin to children or teens, never use ice water, and never sponge anyone with alcohol. Visit us if you are unsure.
When should I get a flu shot?
The best time is fall, before flu season starts, but a shot later in the season still helps. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks to become fully effective. You can walk in for one in Baytown or Crosby.
Sick today? Come see us.
Walk in to our Baytown or Crosby clinic for flu, cold and fever care. Appointments are available but not required.