Cold & flu season

Cold, flu, COVID & strep season: walk in, get tested, start treatment

From November through March, most of our patients come in with the same question: is this a cold, the flu, COVID, RSV or strep? Sage Urgent Care answers it in one visit — rapid tests on site, results in minutes, and treatment started before you leave. Open 8 AM to 8 PM every day, holidays included.

Rapid tests, same visit

Testing matters because treatment differs. Strep needs an antibiotic. Flu antivirals work best when started early — ideally within 48 hours of the first symptoms — so coming in on day one or two gives you the most options. Colds and most viral coughs need symptom relief, not antibiotics, and we’ll tell you honestly which one you have.

Flu shots: walk in, no appointment

It isn’t too late. Flu shots are available every day for anyone 6 months and older, usually in a few minutes. Most insurance covers them in full, Medicare Part B covers them at no cost to you, and our self-pay price is $50. We also carry Tdap and, depending on demand, the COVID-19 vaccine — call ahead for COVID.

Sick kids

We see children 3 months and older for fevers, sore throats, ear pain and coughs, with the same rapid testing. Any fever in a baby younger than 3 months is an emergency — go straight to a pediatric emergency room.

When to skip urgent care and go to the ER

• Trouble breathing, or breathing that is fast and labored
• Bluish lips or face
• Chest pain or pressure
• Confusion, or difficulty waking up
• Signs of dehydration in a child — no urination in 8 hours, no tears, very dry mouth
• Any fever in an infant under 3 months

Feeling too sick to drive?

For milder symptoms, Sage also offers telehealth visits. Call (908) 363-0378 and we’ll help you decide whether a virtual visit or an in-person test makes more sense.

Notes for work and school

Every visit can include a work or school note, and we’ll tell you when you’re no longer contagious and can safely go back.

Cold and flu season questions