Open 24/7 · Walk-Ins Welcome · Montrose, Houston
Cold & Flu Emergency Care in Montrose, Houston
Most colds and mild flu cases can be managed at home, but some symptoms need prompt medical attention. Montrose Emergency Room provides 24/7 evaluation for cold and flu symptoms, including flu testing. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is required.
Cold or flu symptoms getting worse instead of better? Montrose Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Open 24/7
Walk-Ins Welcome
No Appointment Required
Emergency Evaluation
On-Site Diagnostic Testing
When to seek emergency care
When Should You Go to the ER for a Cold or the Flu?
Most colds and many flu cases improve with rest and fluids at home. However, certain symptoms can signal a complication that needs prompt evaluation.
Consider emergency evaluation if you have:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure
High fever not responding to medication
Symptoms that improve, then return worse
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Signs of dehydration
Confusion or unusual drowsiness
Bluish lips or face
Severe muscle pain or weakness
Worsening of an existing chronic condition
Fever lasting more than 3–4 days
Symptoms in an infant or older adult that seem severe
Wheezing that is new or worsening
Chest congestion that keeps getting worse
Any cold or flu symptom you are unsure how to manage
If symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911 immediately.
For cold or flu symptoms with trouble breathing or a high fever, Montrose Emergency Room is open 24/7 with on-site testing.
Cold or flu?
Is It a Cold, the Flu, or Something Else?
People often search: Is this a cold or the flu? Should I go to the ER for a bad cold? Can the flu turn into pneumonia?
Colds and flu share many symptoms, but flu tends to come on suddenly and cause more severe body aches and fever.
Because symptoms can overlap with other respiratory illnesses, testing is often the most reliable way to know what you’re dealing with.
Common cold and flu symptoms include:
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Cough
Fever or chills
Body aches
Fatigue
Headache
Congestion
Sneezing
Mild shortness of breath
Loss of appetite
Watery eyes
Sinus pressure
Nausea (more common with flu)
General malaise
Browse by symptom
Related Symptoms & Treatments
Cold and flu symptoms can overlap with other conditions. Explore our related symptom guides below.
Cold, flu, or COVID?
Cold, Flu, or Something Else?
Common Cold
Colds usually come on gradually and cause milder symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat.
Most colds can be managed at home, but seek evaluation if symptoms worsen or last more than 10 days.
Influenza (Flu)
The flu often comes on suddenly with high fever, body aches, and significant fatigue.
Seek evaluation for high fever, breathing difficulty, or symptoms that worsen after initially improving.
Other Respiratory Illness
COVID-19, RSV, and other viral infections can cause similar symptoms to cold and flu.
It is particularly important not to ignore breathing difficulty regardless of which virus is the cause.
What to expect
What Happens When You Go to the ER for Cold or Flu Symptoms?
A common question is: “Will I get tested?” Your evaluation typically starts with a review of your symptoms and vital signs.
1
Symptom Review
A discussion of your symptoms and how long you’ve been sick.
2
Testing
Flu or other respiratory testing may be used to confirm the cause.
3
Complication Screening
The physician checks for signs of pneumonia or dehydration.
4
Treatment & Recovery Guidance
Care may include antiviral medication, fluids, or other treatment.
The emergency physician may ask:
When did symptoms start?
Did symptoms come on suddenly or gradually?
Do you have a fever?
Are you having trouble breathing?
Do you have chest pain?
Are you keeping fluids down?
Have you had a flu shot this season?
Do you have any chronic conditions?
Have you been around anyone sick?
Have symptoms improved then worsened?
Do you have body aches?
Have you tried any medications?
On-site testing
Cold & Flu Testing and Treatment
Depending on your symptoms, the physician may determine that testing or treatment is appropriate. Montrose Emergency Room offers on-site services that may include:
Flu Testing
Used to help confirm an influenza diagnosis.
Chest X-Ray
May be used if pneumonia is suspected.
IV Fluids
Provided when dehydration is a concern.
Pulse Oximetry
Measures oxygen levels in the blood.
Antiviral Medication
May be prescribed depending on timing and severity.
Laboratory Testing
Additional testing when needed to evaluate your condition.
Not every patient needs every service. Care is tailored to your symptoms and risk factors.
Common concerns
Can the ER Check for Pneumonia, Dehydration or Sinus Infection?
Possible Pneumonia
Cold or flu symptoms can sometimes progress to pneumonia. Common symptoms can include:
Worsening cough
Shortness of breath
Chest pain when breathing
High fever returning after improving
Increased fatigue
Rapid breathing
Confusion in severe cases
Pneumonia cannot be diagnosed based only on symptoms. A chest X-ray and examination may be necessary.
Possible Dehydration
Fever and reduced fluid intake can lead to dehydration during a cold or flu. Signs may include:
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Reduced urination
Extreme thirst
Weakness
Dark urine
Emergency evaluation can help determine whether IV fluids are needed.
Possible Sinus Infection
A cold that doesn’t improve can sometimes lead to a sinus infection.
Watch for facial pain or pressure, thick nasal discharge, or symptoms lasting more than 10 days.
Persistent sinus symptoms should be evaluated rather than treated indefinitely at home.
Warning signs
Cold or Flu With Breathing Trouble, Chest Pain or High Fever
Breathing Trouble
Difficulty breathing with a cold or flu can indicate a lung complication.
Seek medical attention for shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid breathing.
Chest Pain
Chest pain with a respiratory illness needs prompt evaluation.
Seek emergency evaluation for chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing.
High or Persistent Fever
A high fever, or one lasting more than a few days, can indicate a more serious infection.
Signs to watch for include fever above 104°F or fever lasting more than 3–4 days.
Know where to go
ER or Urgent Care for Cold or Flu Symptoms?
Patients often ask: “Should I go to urgent care or the ER for a cold?” Mild symptoms may be appropriate for urgent care. An emergency room is generally better equipped for breathing difficulty or flu complications.
Condition / Need
Montrose ER
Urgent Care
Difficulty breathing
–
Chest pain
–
High fever not responding to medication
–
Symptoms improving then suddenly worsening
–
Severe dehydration
–
Mild cold symptoms managed with rest and fluids
Not sure where to go?
If symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911. Consider emergency evaluation for breathing trouble, chest pain, or high fever.
General guidance only. Every situation is different, and the right level of care depends on your symptoms.
ER vs Urgent Care GuideWhy Montrose Emergency Room
Why Choose Montrose Emergency Room for Cold & Flu Symptoms?
Cold and flu symptoms can occasionally lead to complications. Montrose Emergency Room provides emergency evaluation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Open 24/7
Nights, weekends, and holidays included.
Walk-Ins Welcome
Come in whenever symptoms start.
No Appointment Required
No scheduling needed for emergency evaluation.
Emergency Physician Evaluation
Assessment by emergency physicians.
On-Site Flu Testing
Testing to help confirm the diagnosis.
Chest X-Ray
Imaging to help evaluate for pneumonia.
IV Fluids
Provided when dehydration is a concern.
On-Site Laboratory Testing
Blood work without leaving the facility.
Emergency Treatment
Care for complications requiring prompt attention.
Care for Adults and Children
Emergency care for patients of all ages.
If your condition requires hospitalization or another level of treatment, the medical team can determine the appropriate next step.
Patient reviews
What Our Patients Say
“
I had a great experience at the Montrose urgent care today. The registration tech, Gabrella, was very friendly and made the check-in process quick and easy. RN Wasef was kind, professional, and made me feel comfortable throughout the visit. Dr. Maewal took the time to listen and provided excellent care, and Pablo in radiology was also very helpful and welcoming. The whole staff was efficient, caring, and I was checked out quickly without feeling rushed. Definitely appreciate the great service from everyone today!
Donald Chanthapathet
Google Review
“
I really recommend this place, as soon as I walked in I asked the front desk Gaby came automatically came to me banned and grabbed a wheel chair and she went out and she helped my son get in the chair and took him inside........ Subi help too. Nurse Waset was awesome, Pablo the radiology tech was helpful, Dr. Ambe was really nice too. I really appreciate her attention by taking my son in. Gaby definitely went an extra mile of customer service and client care.
Jenn Hoggs
Google Review
“
Excellent service. Very clean facility.. proffesional staff.Gaby and Cindy at the front desk very helpful and efficient. Wasef very helpful knowledgeable and very kind. Pablo very helpful and kind. I always go to this Er. I highly recommend Montrose ER for all kinds of Emergencies in Montrose. Really I appreciate the service I got.
Wasef Bisher
Google Review
Right in your neighborhood
Your ER Near Me in Montrose
Montrose Emergency Room is the ER near me patients throughout central Houston turn to for cold and flu care.
Serving central Houston
Cold & Flu ER in Montrose and Central Houston
Montrose Emergency Room provides convenient access to emergency cold and flu evaluation for patients throughout Montrose and central Houston. The facility also serves patients coming from nearby communities including:
Midtown
River Oaks
Upper Kirby
Museum District
Downtown Houston
Neartown
Surrounding central Houston neighborhoods
Patients searching for a cold and flu ER in Montrose, an emergency room for flu symptoms in Houston, or a 24-hour emergency room in central Houston can visit without a scheduled appointment.
Visit Montrose Emergency Room
1110 W Gray St #101
Houston, TX 77019 (Montrose)
Open 24/7 — 365 Days a Year
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold & Flu
Should I go to the ER for a bad cold?
Most colds can be managed at home. Emergency evaluation may be appropriate for breathing difficulty, high fever, or symptoms that worsen instead of improving.
How do I know if it’s a cold or the flu?
The flu often comes on suddenly with high fever and body aches, while colds tend to develop gradually with milder symptoms. Testing can help confirm the cause.
Can the flu turn into pneumonia?
Yes, influenza can sometimes lead to pneumonia as a complication, particularly in higher-risk patients.
Can the ER test for the flu?
Yes. Flu testing may be performed to help confirm the diagnosis.
Should I go to urgent care or the ER for the flu?
Mild symptoms may be appropriate for urgent care. An emergency room is generally better equipped for flu complications.
Can the ER prescribe antiviral medication?
Yes, when appropriate based on the timing and severity of your symptoms.
Do I need an appointment for cold or flu symptoms?
No appointment is required for emergency evaluation at Montrose Emergency Room.
Is Montrose Emergency Room open at night?
Yes. Montrose Emergency Room operates 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Cold or Flu Symptoms Getting Worse? Get Evaluated 24/7
Don’t wait for complications to develop. Montrose Emergency Room is available 24/7 for cold and flu symptoms, testing, and related complications. Walk-ins are welcome. No appointment is required.
Montrose Emergency Room · 1110 W. Gray St., Suite 101 · Houston, TX 77019 · (832) 487-0911
If your symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911 immediately.