Colds, flu or RSV? Where to find the care you need

When respiratory viruses spike, how do you know if it’s a cold, the flu, RSV or COVID? And where do you turn? Start with your doctor, but the following guide can help you choose the right setting to get the care you need – which may save you time, money and get you feeling better sooner.

Walk-in and urgent care 

When cold and flu symptoms show up, consider walk-in/urgent care centers for treatment. We operate 37 walk-in/urgent care locations in Connecticut and New York – and you don’t need an appointment.

Find walk-in/urgent care near you 

Video care visits

When you have minor, non-life-threatening ailments like colds, flu, allergies, sinus infections or nagging coughs, consider video visits. Clinicians can diagnose symptoms, prescribe medication and send prescriptions to your pharmacy.

Online scheduling is available for Video Care OnDemand or Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care Telehealth. 

Emergency care 

In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. The hospital emergency department is for severe illnesses or injuries like chest pain, trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, serious injuries or cuts, abdominal pain or signs of stroke. 

Find an emergency department near you

Be prepared

Think about these different care settings before you need medical care. Treatment in an emergency department can cost two to three times more than the same care in your provider's office. Also, your health insurance may require you to pay a higher copay for care in an emergency department. 

Check our Compare Options chart to help you choose the best care setting for your needs.