Comprehensive. Convenient. Compassionate.
A Division of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
Feeling sick can be stressful, especially when you’re not sure what you’re dealing with.
At Pomona Valley Health Centers (PVHC), we’re here to help you feel better faster with rapid testing and high-quality care.
Our urgent care locations offer rapid testing for flu, and COVID-19 while primary care provides rapid testing for strep throat.
Respiratory illnesses, like colds, the flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19, can all cause cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and general discomfort.
Because cold symptoms, flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms often look and feel similar, testing is the best way to know which illness you have and how to treat it.
In most cases, respiratory infections are contagious and usually spread through coughs, sneezes, close contact or touching surfaces with germs.
Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you recover faster and prevents complications.
In most of the U.S., including Southern California, respiratory illnesses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19 tend to surge in the fall and winter.
Because COVID-19 often follows a seasonal pattern similar to flu and other respiratory illnesses, it’s important to treat any new respiratory symptoms as possible COVID-19 until testing shows otherwise.
Early testing can help guide treatment and keep your family and community safe.
Common cold symptoms are typically mild, appear gradually and include:
Common flu symptoms are more intense and typically appear suddenly:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, possible symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Common symptoms shared by all three
| Cold | Flu | COVID-19 | RSV | |
| Aches | XX | XXX | XXX | X |
| Difficulty breathing | X | X | XXX | XX |
| Fatigue | XX | XXX | XXX | X |
| Fever | X | XXX | XX | XX |
| Loss of taste or smell | X | X | XX | X |
| Sore throat | XXX | XX | XXX | X |
| Wheezing | X | X | X | XXX |
| Key: X Rarely | XX Sometimes | XXX Often | ||||
Emergency symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:
A rapid COVID-19 test checks a small sample from your nose to see if the SARS-CoV-2 virus is present. The test is quick. Most people get their results the same day, helping you know whether you need to self-isolate, start treatment and take extra precautions around others.
A flu test also uses a gentle swab inside your nose to look for flu viruses. It is usually recommended if you have a fever, body aches or symptoms that came on very suddenly. This test is especially helpful for those with health conditions that increase the risk of complications.
PVHC offers rapid flu testing to confirm the diagnosis quickly, especially during flu season, when many viruses circulate at the same time.
Colds usually cause milder symptoms, and there’s no specific treatment needed.
Because of this, most people do not need a test. If your symptoms point to a cold (e.g., runny nose, mild cough or scratchy throat), your provider can usually diagnose it just by listening to your symptoms and doing a quick exam.
Treatments for the flu and COVID-19 work best when started early, often within the first 48 hours of symptoms. Testing gives your provider the answers they need to provide appropriate treatment.
PVHC offers prompt testing for both flu and COVID-19 at all locations.
Many mild respiratory illnesses, like the common cold and flu, can be treated safely at home.
The skilled physicians at PVHC recommend rest, plenty of fluids, warm showers or humidifiers for congestion and over-the-counter pain relievers.
If you have other medical conditions or take daily medications, we can help you decide which home remedies are safe for you.
Antivirals, like Tamiflu, can help shorten flu symptoms and prevent serious complications. According to the CDC, they work best when started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
You may qualify if you:
COVID-19 treatments depend on your symptoms and personal risk factors.
PVHC providers may recommend antivirals for those who have a high risk of serious illness (e.g., those who are immunocompromised or have conditions like heart disease, diabetes or chronic lung disease).
The following patients may need earlier testing, quicker access to antivirals or additional supportive care as they have a higher risk of getting sicker faster:
Anyone who is immunocompromised, including:
If you’re in a higher-risk group, don’t wait to see if symptoms improve. PVHC providers can help you get the right testing and treatment quickly.
If you’re struggling with uncomfortable cold- or flu-like symptoms that are getting worse (or haven't improved after several days), visit one of our conveniently located PVHC urgent care centers for fast, effective, same-day treatment.
Seek medical care if you notice one or more of the following symptoms:
These symptoms could be flu, COVID-19, strep throat or another upper respiratory infection. The experienced doctors at PVHC can quickly evaluate your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment services, so you can feel better fast.
Pomona Valley Health Centers support families and individuals of all ages, making it easy to get the high-quality care you need. Our clinics provide rapid testing when needed and offer expert tips to help prevent the spread of illness at school, work, home and in your community.
Whether you need a primary care appointment or walk-in urgent care services, Pomona Valley Health Centers offers flexible options to meet your unique care needs.
At PVHC, we provide quick, efficient care so you can get back to your day faster—and feeling better.
Preventive care starts at home. Use these tips to help keep your family healthy this season:
Colds are mild, flu comes on fast with fever and body aches and COVID-19 may include fever, cough or loss of taste or smell. Symptoms often overlap and testing is the best way to confirm your diagnosis and get the most effective treatment.
Not always. Mild colds may not require testing, but flu, COVID-19 or worsening symptoms should be confirmed with a test.
Emergency symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:
For best results, antivirals should be started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Yes. It’s important to get tested to ensure you get the most effective treatment.
All PVHC urgent care locations offer rapid testing for flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
