Colds, Flu & COVID-19 Care in Hilo & Across Hawaiʻi — Medicaid (QUEST) Accepted

Colds, flu, and COVID-19 are common respiratory infections caused by viruses, and most resolve with rest and supportive care at home. The challenge is telling them apart and knowing when an illness needs treatment or evaluation. At Ohana Care Clinic in Hilo, we help you sort that out quickly, including with same-day visits when you are sick.

What these infections are

The common cold, influenza (flu), and COVID-19 are all caused by viruses that affect the nose, throat, and lungs, and their symptoms overlap. Colds tend to be milder, with a runny nose and sore throat. Flu often comes on suddenly with fever, body aches, and exhaustion. COVID-19 can range from very mild to serious and can include loss of taste or smell. Because they look alike, testing is sometimes the only way to know which one you have.

How we treat them

Because these are viral, antibiotics do not help and are not recommended, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes. Most people recover with rest, fluids, and symptom relief. For flu and COVID-19, antiviral medicines can shorten illness and lower the risk of complications when started early, especially for people at higher risk, so it is worth checking in promptly. Staying current on flu and COVID-19 vaccines remains the best prevention.

When to be seen

Most respiratory illnesses can be managed at home, and we are glad to guide you by telehealth. Reach out sooner if you are at higher risk, if symptoms are severe or not improving, or if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a high or persistent fever, or signs of dehydration. We offer same-day visits for acute illness and can arrange testing when it will change your care.

Culturally grounded care

We care for the whole person, in the spirit of lōkahi — balance and harmony among the connected parts of life: the body, the mind and emotions, the spirit, the ʻohana (family), and our relationship with the ʻāina (land) and community. In a Native Hawaiian understanding of health, these are not separate, and neither is our care. To mālama (care for and protect) your wellbeing and to live pono (in balance and rightness), we listen to your whole story, welcome your ʻohana into the process, and honor the values and traditions that ground you. Offering kōkua (help given freely, with aloha) in a way that respects who you are is at the heart of how we practice.

Insurance and how we see you

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaiʻi QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), ʻOhana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance, and we are accepting new patients in Hilo. Primary care works best as a partnership. Your first visit is in person at our Hilo clinic. We see patients in person for physical exams, vitals, and lab work, and we use telehealth for follow-up visits, medication management, and chronic-disease check-ins whenever it is clinically appropriate.

Common questions about colds, flu, and COVID-19

How can I tell a cold from the flu or COVID-19?

Colds are usually milder with a runny nose and sore throat; flu often hits suddenly with fever, body aches, and fatigue; COVID-19 varies widely and can affect taste or smell. Because they overlap, testing is sometimes the only way to be sure.

Do I need antibiotics for a cold or the flu?

No. Colds, flu, and COVID-19 are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work on viruses. Treatment focuses on rest and symptom relief, with antiviral medicines for flu or COVID-19 in certain situations.

When should I see a provider for a respiratory illness?

Seek care if you are at higher risk, if symptoms are severe or worsening, or if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a high or lasting fever, or signs of dehydration. We offer same-day visits and can arrange testing.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaii QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, HMSA, Ohana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance. We are accepting new patients in Hilo.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Managing the common cold. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/treatment/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Antibiotic prescribing and use. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about/index.html

Papa Ola Lōkahi. (n.d.). Native Hawaiian health. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.papaolalokahi.org/

This page is general health education from Ohana Care Clinic, written by George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP. It is not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a qualified clinician who knows your situation, and reading it does not create a provider–patient relationship. If you think you may have a medical condition, reach out to us or another licensed provider. In an emergency, call 911.

George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP — President & Owner