From Colds to COVID: When to Seek Care for Winter Illnesses

With the winter months bringing an uptick in these illnesses, it’s important to know when to seek care and how to protect yourself and your family.

At Premier ER & Urgent Care, we’re here to help you navigate the most common winter illnesses and provide the care you need, all under one roof.

The Common Cold 

Let’s start with the common cold, a frequent visitor during the winter season. This viral infection affects the nose and throat and, while usually harmless, can still leave you feeling drained. Adults in Central Texas typically experience two to three colds a year, but for young children, it’s even more frequent.

Symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and mild fatigue usually appear within a few days of exposure and resolve in about a week. However, if you’re an adult with a fever over 101.3°F lasting more than three days, or if you’re experiencing shortness of breath or a worsening cough, it’s time to see a doctor. For children, especially newborns up to 12 weeks old, even a slight fever of 100.4°F warrants immediate medical attention.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is another concern during the winter months, particularly for those in Central Texas who are exposed to environmental irritants like dust, smoke, or chemicals.

This condition inflames the bronchial tubes, leading to a persistent cough, chest discomfort, and fatigue. While acute bronchitis often improves within a week, a lingering cough can last for weeks.

If your symptoms include a fever over 100.4°F, blood in your mucus, or severe shortness of breath, it’s crucial to seek medical care. Central Texas residents, especially smokers or those with underlying health conditions, are at a higher risk of developing complications, making early intervention key.

How can I prevent it? 

• Get an annual flu shot.
• Wash hands often with warm soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with people who have a viral infection.
• Avoid cigarette smoke.

Flu (Influenza) and COVID-19

Flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection affecting the nose, throat, and lungs, with the most severe outcomes often seen in young children under 2, adults over 65, and individuals who are pregnant, obese, or have weakened immune systems.

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue, and last season, the flu hit Texas hard. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the statewide flu positivity rate reached 34% during mid-January 2025, which was notably higher than the national average of 25% during the same period.

In Waco and McLennan County, flu activity remained steady, with hospitals and clinics across the region experienced increased patient volumes, reflecting the widespread impact of the flu season. Getting a flu shot is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others, especially those most vulnerable.

While the flu is a familiar seasonal illness, COVID-19 often leads to more severe complications, particularly in older adults and those with underlying conditions. COVID-19 symptoms, such as loss of taste or smell and persistent shortness of breath, can overlap with the flu, making testing essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Updated COVID vaccine guidelines now recommend vaccination for seniors 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions, though it is no longer broadly recommended for healthy young children. Staying vigilant with frequent handwashing and disinfecting high-touch surfaces remains key to protecting yourself and your community.

Where to Seek Medical Care

At Premier ER & Urgent Care, we understand the unique health challenges faced by our Central Texas community. With on-site labs and ER-trained doctors, we’re equipped to quickly diagnose and treat everything from a stubborn cold to more serious respiratory conditions. Our team is here to provide the right care, right when you need it, so you can focus on staying healthy and enjoying all that Central Texas has to offer this winter.