You wake up with a scratchy throat, a cough, and a runny nose. It might just be a cold — or it could be something more.
The common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 can all start the same way, which makes it hard to tell them apart. Understanding your symptoms helps you get the right care, feel better faster, and avoid spreading illness to others.
“We see these viruses every season, and the symptoms can overlap,” says Joseph “JD” Callihan, CNP, with Adena Urgent Care. “Even if you’re unsure which one you have, a quick visit to Adena Urgent Care can help you know what’s going on and how to recover safely.”
Knowing what to look for can make it easier to decide whether to rest at home or visit Adena Urgent Care.
Recognizing the differences
Many respiratory illnesses share similar signs — like congestion, sore throat, cough, and fatigue — but a few details can help you tell them apart:
Common cold: Mild symptoms like sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose. Usually no fever or only low-grade.
Flu (influenza): Sudden onset of fever, chills, body aches, and exhaustion.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): Can mimic a cold in healthy adults but may cause wheezing or shortness of breath in infants, older adults, and those with lung or heart conditions.
COVID-19: May include fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Can range from mild to severe.
If you experience high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, or lips and nails that look blue, seek emergency care right away.
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When to visit urgent care
If your symptoms can’t wait for a primary care appointment, Adena Urgent Care is here seven days a week to help you get answers and relief.
“Our goal is to help people avoid unnecessary emergency department visits while still getting the right care quickly,” says Callihan. “We can test, diagnose, and start treatment during one visit — no coming back for testing or multiple stops.”
At Adena Urgent Care, you’ll benefit from:
On-site testing for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 with rapid results.
Extended hours for evening and weekend convenience.
Same-day treatment plans and medication recommendations.
Connection to follow-up care with Adena Health’s trusted primary and specialty providers if needed.
Whether you need a test, peace of mind, or symptom relief, our team offers fast, compassionate care — right here in your community.
Protecting yourself and others
These illnesses can spread easily, but you can lower your risk and help prevent the spread of illness by:
Washing your hands often with soap and water.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Disinfecting surfaces and shared items regularly.
Staying home when you’re sick and covering coughs or sneezes.
Keeping your vaccines up to date, including flu and COVID-19.
“Even small steps — like washing your hands or getting a flu shot — make a big difference in keeping our community healthy,” adds Callihan.
Not feeling well? Don’t wait to get checked out
Walk in or schedule ahead online at Adena.org/UrgentCare. With multiple convenient locations and local providers who know your community, Adena Urgent Care makes it easier to get back to feeling your best.
Meet our expert: Joseph “JD” Callihan, CNP
JD Callihan earned his master’s degree as a certified nurse practitioner from Chamberlain University. He began his career with Adena Health in 2013 as a patient care associate and has grown within the health system ever since — becoming a registered nurse and now serving as a certified nurse practitioner.
Callihan enjoys spending time with his family and friends, especially taking his kids on adventures. A lifelong sports fan and player, he’s currently most passionate about soccer.
“I enjoy working at Adena Urgent Care because I get to care for the community I grew up in and many of the people I know personally,” he says. “It gives me a sense of pride to help others when they’re at their most vulnerable.”