Cold and Flu

When you feel run-down with a cold or flu infection, you can schedule an appointment at City Hill Family Health NP, PLLC, without a long wait. Board-certified nurse practitioner Olumuyiwa Tony Owoyomi, NP, provides same-day and next-day appointments to diagnose and treat cold or flu symptoms. Tony focuses on natural strategies to relieve a stuffy nose and ease a sore throat. He can also prescribe medications when needed so you can get back to your usual routine quickly. Call the Hempstead, New York office today to schedule an evaluation for cold and flu symptoms or book an appointment online.

What are the differences between a cold and the flu?

Colds and flu are respiratory infections that cause similar symptoms but originate from different viruses. The viruses are contagious and spread from person to person through droplets that move through the air when you cough, sneeze, or speak.

Colds can result from infections with different viruses, including rhinoviruses. The influenza virus causes the flu.

City Hill Family Health NP, PLLC provides acute care for adults who need help managing cold and flu symptoms. As a board-certified nurse practitioner, Tony can prescribe medications and recommend home care strategies you can use to feel better.

When should I seek medical attention for a cold or flu?

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at City Hill Family Health NP, PLLC, if you have cold or flu symptoms that aren’t getting better with rest and over-the-counter medications.

Side effects of the flu are typically more serious than cold symptoms. However, both types of respiratory infections can cause:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion

With the flu, you might also have a fever and experience chills and body aches. Fatigue is also a common flu symptom.

The elderly and people with immune system disorders or other chronic medical conditions might experience additional health complications because of the flu. If you have trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital or call 911.

When your cold or flu symptoms are less severe, Tony evaluates the kind of symptoms you have and completes a physical exam. He also provides rapid flu tests in the office to determine your diagnosis.

How are the cold and flu treated?

Because a cold and the flu are viral infections, antibiotics won’t be useful in your treatment. Instead, City Hill Family Health NP, PLLC offers treatment strategies to ease your symptoms and protect against additional infection-related complications.

Tony may recommend:

• Rest
• Increased fluid intake
• Vitamin supplements
• Use of saline nasal spray
• Over-the-counter decongestants and cough suppressants

If you have severe flu symptoms, you may be a candidate for antiviral medications to shorten the length of your illness.

Tony follows up on the effectiveness of your treatment during an in-office or telehealth visit. He also provides educational resources to help you prevent additional cold or flu infections.

Call City Hill Family Health NP, PLLC, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for a cold or flu infection or book an appointment online.