Flu vs. COVID-19 Confused between flu and COVID-19 symptoms? Learn how RCL in Houston provides both urgent care and primary care for safe, same-day treatment

Every year in Houston, families deal with seasonal flu outbreaks, and since 2020, the risk of COVID-19 has added new stress. While both illnesses share similar symptoms, the treatment, testing, and urgency of care can be different. At RCL Behavioral Medical Center, we offer both urgent care and primary care, so you always get the right level of treatment—without the guesswork.

Similar Symptoms of Flu and COVID-19

Both illnesses may cause:

• Fever and chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Body aches and fatigue
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose

👉 This overlap makes it hard to tell them apart at home, which is why visiting a clinic with on-site testing like RCL is essential.

Key Differences Between Flu and COVID-19

• Onset of symptoms: Flu often appears suddenly, COVID-19 develops more gradually.
• Loss of taste/smell: More common in COVID-19.
• Complications: COVID-19 can lead to more severe breathing issues and long-term effects (“long COVID”).

When to See Primary Care in Houston

If symptoms are mild and you want a checkup, your primary care doctor can:

• Run a flu or COVID-19 test.
• Prescribe medications.
• Monitor high-risk patients (diabetes, hypertension).
• Provide preventive vaccines for flu and COVID-19.

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When to Go to Urgent Care

Head to urgent care if you have:

• High fever that doesn’t go down
• Severe cough or chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dehydration (especially in children and elderly)
• Rapid worsening of symptoms

At RCL Urgent Care Houston, we provide:

• Same-day flu & COVID-19 testing
• IV fluids for dehydration
• Immediate medications and prescriptions
• Walk-in availability with short wait times

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Flu and COVID-19 Testing at RCL

• Rapid antigen tests with results in minutes
• PCR tests for more accurate results
• On-site labs so you don’t have to travel elsewhere

Preventive Care at RCL Primary Care

• Flu shots available year-round
• COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
• Preventive screenings to protect high-risk patients

Why RCL Is Houston’s Best Choice for Primary and Urgent Care

• Bilingual staff (Spanish & English)
• Integrated medical & mental health services
• Convenient central Houston location
• Trusted by Houston’s Hispanic community

FAQs

Q: Should I go to the ER for COVID or flu?
A: Only if symptoms are severe (difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion). Otherwise, urgent care is usually the best option.

Q: Can I get both flu and COVID at the same time?
A: Yes, co-infections are possible, which makes testing critical.

Q: How do I know if my child needs urgent care?
A: If your child has trouble breathing, dehydration, or very high fever, urgent care is the safest choice.

Schedule Your Visit Today

At RCL, we make healthcare simple. Whether you need flu testing, COVID-19 care, or preventive vaccines, our primary care and urgent care services in Houston are ready for you.

📞 Call us today at 713-769-0096 or visit www.rclcenter.com