24/7 COLD & FLU CARE
Cold & Flu ER in Houston — When to Seek Emergency Care
Most colds and mild flu improve at home with rest and fluids, but some need emergency care. Come to The Heights Emergency Room in Houston, open 24/7, if symptoms include trouble breathing, a high or lasting fever, dehydration, chest pain, or worsening illness after you felt better. Walk in anytime.
Open 24/7 • Walk-Ins Welcome • No Appointment Required
WHAT WE OFFER
Cold and Flu Evaluation for Adults and Children, Day or Night
Open 24/7, Even Holidays
Illness often worsens at night and on weekends. We are open every hour of every day.
Walk-Ins Welcome
No appointment or referral is needed for emergency evaluation.
Physician Evaluation
A board-certified emergency physician checks your breathing, fever, and hydration.
Care for Children
A dedicated pediatric room is available for sick children.
Oxygen Level Checks
Pulse oximetry and oxygen are available if your breathing is affected.
Near Houston Heights
101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, on the North Loop.
Colds are common and usually mild. The goal of an ER visit is to catch complications early.
WHEN TO COME IN
When Does a Cold or Flu Need the ER?
A cold or flu needs the ER when it causes trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, a fever lasting more than three days, or symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen. Babies with a fever, older adults, pregnant women, and people with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or weak immune systems should be evaluated sooner.
The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, but the flu usually hits harder and faster. Colds tend to begin with a sore throat, sneezing, and a runny or stuffy nose, and most people feel better in seven to ten days.
Cold and flu symptoms can also overlap with COVID-19, strep throat, sinus infections, and pneumonia. When symptoms are severe, last longer than expected, or involve breathing, an exam can sort out the cause.
Get emergency care with a cold or flu and:
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or fast breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- A fever lasting more than three days
- Dehydration, such as dizziness or very little urine
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
- A severe sore throat with drooling or trouble swallowing
- Symptoms that improve, then suddenly worsen
- A baby or toddler who is hard to wake or won’t drink
PATIENT REVIEWS
What Patients Say About The Heights Emergency Room
4.7
★★★★★
Based on 664 Google reviews (as of October 2026)
Patients frequently mention a welcoming atmosphere and a clean facility.
E
Erika M. on Google
★★★★★
My sister went into anaphylactic shock while at work and her airway started to close. When we walked in the receptionist took one look at her swelling and ushered us to a medical suite. … I am immensely grateful to the care staff here. Their professionalism and efficiency went a long way to keep my sister calm during the whole process.
K
Kendi on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at The Heights Emergency Room after a head injury. … Dr. Zahid was very thorough in his evaluation and took the time to explain everything clearly. … I’m very grateful for the excellent care I received and would highly recommend The Heights Emergency Room!
A
Ahson W. on Google
★★★★★
Very good service. I brought my son here and they very quickly attended to him. … Abdullah took my son’s blood and Pablo administered the CT scan. … Dr. Khan explained the results thoroughly and professionally.
M
Michelle R. on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at this ER. The facility was very clean, and the staff was attentive, professional, and compassionate. They took the time to listen to my concerns and made sure all of my needs were addressed. I felt well cared for throughout my visit.
S
Samantha M. on Google
★★★★★
The staff here are amazing!! I had an embarrassing and painful health issue. … This staff made me feel so comfortable and supported through the pain, I didn’t feel embarrassed. … I left feeling heard, educated, and 1000% better!
Need emergency care now?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. No appointment needed.
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences; care and outcomes vary.
Cold or Flu Not Getting Better?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24/7 for evaluation, with no appointment needed.
For severe breathing trouble or confusion, call 911.
On This Page
Cold or Flu Getting Worse? We’re Open 24/7
Emergency evaluation is available day and night at The Heights Emergency Room.
Cold vs Flu: How to Tell
Speed and severity are the clues.
Flu is more likely when you have
- A sudden start within hours
- Fever and chills
- Strong body aches
- Extreme fatigue
- Headache
- A dry, persistent cough
A cold is more likely with a gradual start, a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and a mild sore throat. Only a test can confirm which illness you have, and symptoms can overlap.
Is It COVID-19, Strep, or a Sinus Infection?
Several illnesses look alike.
COVID-19, strep throat, sinus infections, and bronchitis can all begin like a cold. Strep throat usually causes a sudden, painful sore throat without much cough, and sinus infections cause facial pressure and thick drainage lasting more than a week.
If you aren’t sure, or you feel worse each day, an exam helps. For the flu in particular, see our influenza ER page.
How to Care for a Cold at Home
Rest, fluids, and comfort measures.
Home care tips
- Rest and get extra sleep
- Drink plenty of water, broth, or warm tea
- Use a saline spray or rinse for congestion
- Use a humidifier or take a warm shower
- Soothe a sore throat with warm liquids
- Use over-the-counter medicine as directed on the label
Check labels carefully, since many cold products contain the same ingredients. Don’t give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to young children unless a physician advises it.
Colds and Flu in Children
Children get sick more often.
Children can have six or more colds a year. Most are mild, but watch for fast or labored breathing, a fever lasting more than a few days, trouble drinking, fewer wet diapers, ear pain, or unusual sleepiness.
A fever in a baby younger than three months always needs prompt evaluation. See our pediatric ER page for what to expect.
WHEN IT’S MORE SERIOUS
Complications of a Cold or Flu
A simple cold can sometimes lead to more.
Colds and flu can lead to ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Warning signs include a fever that returns, a cough that gets worse or brings up discolored mucus with chest pain, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
People with asthma or COPD may find that a cold triggers a flare of breathing symptoms. See our asthma attack ER page if you have wheezing or tightness in your chest.
YOUR ER VISIT
What Happens When You Visit the ER for a Cold or Flu?
The physician reviews your symptoms, checks your temperature, oxygen level, and vital signs, and listens to your breathing.
Exam & Vital Signs
Temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level are checked.
Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray is available if pneumonia is a concern.
Fluids & Treatment
IV fluids and a treatment plan, which may include prescribed medication, are provided when appropriate.
Patients who need hospital admission or specialist care are transferred, and our staff arranges ambulance transport.
What Makes Cold and Flu Symptoms Worse?
Symptoms can be aggravated by:
Dry Air
Can irritate the nose, throat, and cough.
Lack of Rest
Slows recovery.
Smoke Exposure
Irritates the airways.
Not Drinking Enough
Thickens mucus and worsens fatigue.
This list is general information, not a diagnosis. An exam is the best way to learn the cause.
QUICK ANSWERS
Cold and Flu Questions, Answered
How do I know if my cold or flu is getting serious?
Watch breathing, fever, and fluids. Trouble breathing, a fever lasting more than three days, little urine, dizziness, chest pain, confusion, or a sudden worsening after you felt better are warning signs. Babies, older adults, and people with chronic conditions should be seen sooner. Call 911 for severe breathing trouble.
How long does a cold last compared with the flu?
A cold usually improves in seven to ten days, and a cough can linger a bit longer. The flu often brings several days of fever and aches, with tiredness and cough that can last two weeks or more. Symptoms that last longer than expected or get worse deserve an exam.
Does The Heights Emergency Room treat colds and flu?
Yes. The Heights Emergency Room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, is open 24/7 and evaluates adults and children with cold and flu symptoms and complications. A board-certified emergency physician checks your breathing and oxygen level. IV fluids are available, and no appointment is needed.
Can antibiotics treat a cold or flu?
No. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Antibiotics are used only if a bacterial infection develops, such as bacterial pneumonia or a sinus or ear infection. A physician can tell whether you need one, so avoid using leftover antibiotics.
What can I do at home for a cold or flu?
Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use a humidifier or saline spray for congestion. Use over-the-counter fever and pain relievers as directed on the label. Stay home while you have a fever and avoid contact with babies, older adults, and others at risk. See a physician if you get worse.
EMERGENCY SAFETY
When Should You Call 911 for Cold or Flu Symptoms?
Call 911 if symptoms include severe breathing trouble or signs of a life-threatening problem.
Call 911 for:
- Severe trouble breathing
- Blue or gray lips or face
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or trouble waking
- A seizure
- A stiff neck with fever
- A baby who is limp or won’t feed
- Drooling with trouble swallowing or breathing
Paramedics can check oxygen levels, give oxygen, and start care on the way to the ER.
Don’t drive if you are struggling to breathe, confused, or lightheaded.
WHERE TO GO
ER vs Urgent Care for Cold and Flu
Most colds and mild flu can be managed at home or seen by your doctor or an urgent care center. Go to an ER when symptoms are severe, involve breathing, or come with dehydration.
Call 911
- Severe trouble breathing
- Blue or gray lips
- Confusion or a seizure
- Chest pain or pressure
Go to the ER
- Trouble or fast breathing
- A fever lasting more than three days
- Dehydration
- Symptoms that suddenly worsen
Urgent Care or Your Doctor
- Cold symptoms without breathing trouble
- Mild fever and body aches
- Sore throat or sinus pressure
- Follow-up after an ER visit
If you are unsure, choose the ER.
Learn more about the difference between urgent care and the ER.
24/7 Cold and Flu Care in Houston
Illness can worsen at any hour. The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Emergency Physician Exam
Evaluation of your symptoms.
Oxygen & Pulse Oximetry
Oxygen level checks.
Chest X-Ray
When pneumonia is a concern.
IV Fluids
For dehydration.
Breathing Treatments
Nebulizer treatments when appropriate.
Pediatric Room
Dedicated space for children.
Testing and treatment depend on your symptoms and the physician’s evaluation.
Cold and Flu ER Near Houston Heights
The Heights Emergency Room is a freestanding emergency room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, along the North Loop (610). It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for adults and children with cold and flu symptoms and can be reached at (281) 560-4373.
The Heights Emergency Room
101 N Loop W #300
Houston, TX 77018
Houston, TX 77018
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you are searching for:
- Cold and flu ER near me
- ER for fever and cough near me
- Sick child ER near Houston Heights
- Emergency room for cough and fever Houston
The Heights Emergency Room is open day and night for illness evaluation.
Serving Houston Heights and Nearby Neighborhoods
Patients with cold and flu symptoms come to us from across central and northwest Houston—including Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Houston Heights, Timbergrove, Woodland Heights, Independence Heights, the Northside, Rice Military, the Washington Avenue corridor, First Ward, and Downtown. If symptoms are severe or getting worse, come to our North Loop location, a short drive from many of these neighborhoods.
ZIP 77018
Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and Independence Heights / Central Northwest
ZIP 77008
Houston Heights, Lazybrook, and Timbergrove
ZIP 77009
Heights East, Northside, and the Woodland Heights area
ZIP 77022
Independence Heights and Northline / Northside
ZIP 77007
Washington Avenue, Rice Military, the western and southern Heights, and First Ward
ZIP 77002
Downtown, northern Downtown, and nearby First Ward areas
Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
FAQ
Cold and Flu ER — Frequently Asked Questions
They share symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Flu and COVID-19 tend to cause fever and body aches, while colds are usually milder with a runny nose and sneezing. A test is the only reliable way to tell them apart.
You are usually most contagious in the first few days of illness. With the flu, stay home until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine and your symptoms are improving.
Sometimes. A cold or flu can lead to pneumonia, especially in older adults, young children, and people with chronic conditions. Watch for a worsening cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fever that returns.
Any fever with trouble breathing, confusion, a stiff neck, or a rash needs prompt care. A fever in a baby younger than three months, or a fever that lasts more than three days in anyone, should also be evaluated.
Bring a photo ID, your medication and allergy list, and notes on your temperature, symptoms, and any medicines you have already taken. For a child, include how much they have been drinking and any sick contacts.
No. The Heights Emergency Room is a walk-in emergency room open 24/7. For severe breathing trouble or confusion, call 911.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Cold or Flu Taking a Turn? Come In Anytime.
Get checked by an emergency physician, day or night, with no appointment needed.
For severe breathing trouble or confusion, call 911.
