Cold and upper respiratory infection evaluation
When a cold or upper respiratory infection (URI) strikes, don’t wait to find relief. Get personalized cold and cough care at MinuteClinic®. Whether you’re dealing with a runny nose, cough or sore throat, we can help with:
- Same-day visits: In-person and virtual appointments
- The right treatment right away: Our providers will evaluate your symptoms to determine if it's a common cold or something else
- Feel better faster: We provide the tools for symptom relief, from over-the-counter options to prescriptions, if needed
Find care
Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Why choose MinuteClinic to treat colds and upper respiratory infections?
Quick access to care
Traveling soon, have a big event coming up or already away from home? MinuteClinic provides fast access when you need care in a pinch with over 800 locations nationwide.
Flexible appointments
Don’t spend all day in an urgent care waiting room. Schedule a same-day or next-day appointment online or walk into your nearest MinuteClinic today.
Not feeling up to going out? Get care from home 24/7 with MinuteClinic Virtual Care®.
On-the-spot relief
Our providers will walk you through the different options for symptom relief and create a treatment plan that makes the most sense for you — including over-the-counter medication guidance or a prescription, if appropriate.
3 steps to feeling better — what to expect at MinuteClinic
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1. Start with a quick check-in
- Online check in: Use your email or text link to check in and to add your payment and insurance information.
- Kiosk check-in: Just bring your confirmation code.
- Walk-in appointment? Sign in at the kiosk.
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2. Relax while we get things ready for you
Take a seat in our waiting room. When it’s your turn, we’ll call your name and take you back for your visit.
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3. Meet with your provider
- During your visit: Your provider will review your symptoms, check your health history and do an exam.
- After your visit: You’ll get a receipt and information about your diagnosis or next steps. You can review your personalized care plan on the CVS Health Dashboard.
Cold and upper respiratory infections causes, symptoms and treatment
- Dry cough
- Low-grade fever
- Mild body aches or fatigue
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
You can also have these symptoms with other conditions such as the flu, allergies and bacterial infections. Most upper respiratory infections last between a few days and up to two weeks.
After a COVID-19 infection, some people may experience cold and upper respiratory symptoms that last weeks to months. This is sometimes called long COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 syndrome. If you’ve had COVID-19 and have new or ongoing symptoms weeks to months after your initial recovery, a MinuteClinic® provider can help.
Be sure to let your MinuteClinic provider know if you have other health problems or are taking medications. Some health conditions and medications make it harder for your immune system to fight off infection.
Many upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. In fact, over 200 viruses can cause the symptoms of a cold. You’re more likely to suffer with an upper respiratory infection during the winter months when you spend more time indoors. Being in close contact with people who are sick also increases your risk.
Unfortunately, the viruses that cause upper respiratory infections are contagious, can spread easily from person to person and can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours. Viruses can also enter your nose and throat through the air when someone with an upper respiratory tract infection coughs or sneezes near you.
Although upper respiratory infections and colds are inconvenient and make you feel bad, they’re very common. In fact, the average adult gets two to four colds per year and children get twice as many.
Yes, MinuteClinic providers can treat pneumonia for most people during an in-person visit. MinuteClinic cannot treat pneumonia in patients less than 16 years old, those who are 50 years of age or older or patients with certain preexisting conditions such as asthma.
- Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. This helps your immune system fight viruses that cause colds and upper respiratory infections. Avoid people who are sick and wash your hands often throughout the day.
- Smoking also increases your risk of catching a cold virus. If you smoke, do your best to stop. MinuteClinic providers can work one-on-one with you to build a realistic plan to quit smoking, as part of the Start to Stop® smoking cessation program. Doing these things is no guarantee, but it gives you an edge when it comes to staying healthy.