Cold & Flu Treatment in Longview, TX
Texas Primary Care Associates treats colds, flu, COVID-19 and sore throats the same day at 705 E Marshall Ave in Longview, TX. Walk in Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, for an exam, rapid flu, COVID-19 or strep testing when needed, and treatment, including antiviral medicine when it is right for you.
Walk-ins welcome. Most major insurance, including BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare and Ambetter
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
Colds and flu are both respiratory infections caused by viruses, but different ones. A cold usually comes on slowly and causes a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and a mild sore throat. The flu tends to start suddenly, with fever or chills, body aches, cough and tiredness that can keep you in bed for days.
Because flu, COVID-19 and strep throat can look alike, a quick test is often the best way to know what you have. At Texas Primary Care Associates, your provider examines you and runs a rapid test when it will change your treatment.
- Rapid flu, COVID-19 and strep tests during your visit
- Antiviral medicine for flu when it is appropriate
- Antibiotics only for bacterial infections such as strep
- Work and school notes after your visit
Cold, flu and respiratory symptoms we treat
Come in when symptoms are strong, last longer than expected or you have a health condition that raises your risk.
Fever & chills
Fever with body aches or chills, especially if it lasts more than two or three days.
Sick visitsCough & chest congestion
A cough that is getting worse or lasting more than about 10 days.
Breathing symptomsSore throat & strep
A painful throat, especially with fever and no cough, checked with a rapid strep test.
Acute careCOVID-19 symptoms
Testing and treatment advice for COVID-19, including for higher-risk patients.
Compare symptomsSinus pressure & ear pain
Facial pain, congestion or ear pain that is not improving.
Sinus infection signsAllergy or cold?
Itchy eyes and sneezing that keep coming back may be allergies instead.
Allergy testingWhat happens at a cold or flu visit
A cold or flu visit is quick and focused on finding the cause and helping you recover.
Check in
Walk in Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, with your photo ID and insurance card. Calling ahead is welcome.
Exam
Your provider checks your temperature, oxygen level and lungs, and looks at your throat and ears.
Rapid testing
A flu, COVID-19 or strep test is done during the visit if it will guide your treatment.
Treatment
You leave with a diagnosis, home care steps, any prescriptions sent to your pharmacy and a work or school note.
Cold, flu or COVID-19: how do symptoms compare?
Symptoms overlap, so a test is the only way to be sure. This table shows typical patterns.
| Common cold | Flu | COVID-19 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it starts | Gradually, over a day or two | Suddenly | Can be gradual or sudden, 2 to 14 days after exposure |
| Fever | Uncommon in adults | Common, though not everyone has one | Common |
| Aches & tiredness | Mild | Common and often strong | Common |
| Stuffy or runny nose | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Testing | Usually not needed | Rapid flu test | Rapid COVID-19 test |
Getting better from a cold or the flu
Most colds clear up on their own in about a week to 10 days, and most people with the flu recover in a few days to less than two weeks. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and, for flu, shortening the illness when medicine is started early. Some people are at higher risk of flu complications, including adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant people and people with conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Flu antiviral medicine works best early
Prescription flu antivirals, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), work best when they are started within the first two days of symptoms. If you think you have the flu, come in as soon as you can, especially if you are in a higher-risk group. Your provider will decide whether an antiviral is right for you.
Why antibiotics usually do not help
Colds, flu and COVID-19 are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work against viruses. Antibiotics are used when a test or exam shows a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. Taking them when they are not needed can cause side effects without helping you recover.
Home care while you recover
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Use over-the-counter medicine for fever, aches or congestion as directed on the label
- Stay home from work or school while you have a fever
- Cover coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often
Insurance and cost
Texas Primary Care Associates accepts most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare and Ambetter. A sick visit usually involves your plan’s copay or deductible. See insurance accepted or call (903) 230-9811 to verify coverage.
Explore related care at our clinic
- Walk-in clinic
- Sick visits for acute symptoms
- Allergies vs cold vs flu vs COVID
- Sinus infection symptoms
- Shortness of breath causes
- Asthma symptoms
- Allergy testing
- Primary care
Sources
- Signs and Symptoms of Flu, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Testing for Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever, CDC
- Flu, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Common Cold, MedlinePlus
- COVID-19, MedlinePlus
Last updated October 9, 2026 by Texas Primary Care Associates.
Cold and flu care from our providers
Same-day patients are seen by the nurse practitioner and physician who care for our regular patients in Longview.
Gloria Montes
Provides primary care for adults, adolescents and children, with a focus on preventive care and chronic disease management.
NPI 1992375646
Steven Thompson, M.D.
Graduate of New York Medical College, caring for adults with acute illnesses and long-term conditions.
“Fast & great bedside manners – Gloria really listens & cares for her patients! Highly recommend.”
Google reviewer, Google review. Read more reviewsFlu emergency warning signs
Call 911 or go to the nearest ER right away for any of these in adults:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Ongoing pain or pressure in the chest or belly
- Ongoing dizziness, confusion or trouble waking up
- Seizures
- Not urinating
- Severe weakness or muscle pain
- Fever or cough that improves and then returns or gets worse
Warning signs based on CDC: Signs and Symptoms of Flu.
Cold and flu questions we hear most
Quick answers about cold and flu care at Texas Primary Care Associates.
Still have questions?
Our front desk can answer questions about visits and confirm your insurance before you come in.
Call (903) 230-9811Do you take walk-ins for colds and flu?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, at 705 E Marshall Ave in Longview. You can also call (903) 230-9811 ahead of time to ask about the best time to come in.
Do you test for flu, COVID-19 and strep?
Yes. Rapid testing for flu, COVID-19 and strep throat can be done during your visit when your provider recommends it.
Can you prescribe Tamiflu?
If you have the flu and an antiviral is right for you, your provider can prescribe one, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Antivirals work best when started within two days of your first symptoms.
Will I get antibiotics for a cold or the flu?
No, because colds and flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are prescribed only when your provider finds a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.
When should I see a doctor for a cold?
Come in for a fever lasting more than two or three days, symptoms that improve and then get worse, a cough lasting more than about 10 days, ear or sinus pain, or if you have asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Do you accept Ambetter for sick visits?
Yes. Texas Primary Care Associates accepts Ambetter along with Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare and most major insurance plans. Call to confirm your coverage before your visit.
Can I get a note for work or school?
Yes. Your provider can give you a work or school note after your visit.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Texas Primary Care Associates is accepting new patients in Longview, and you can continue with the same team for checkups and ongoing care.
Visit our Longview clinic for cold and flu care
Texas Primary Care Associates
705 E Marshall Ave, Suite 3001, Medical Building Plaza #3
Longview, TX 75601
- Mon–Fri
- 8:00am – 5:00pm (walk-ins welcome)
- Sat–Sun
- Closed
- Phone
- (903) 230-9811
- Fax
- (903) 653-1431
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google. View on Google Maps
Prefer a set time? Request an appointment
Send your details and our team will call you to confirm a time.
Please do not include detailed medical information. For emergencies, call 911.
Sick with a cold or the flu? Walk in today.
Texas Primary Care Associates sees cold and flu patients Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, at 705 E Marshall Ave in Longview. Walk in or call ahead.