One moment you feel fine, and the next you’re dealing with a pounding headache, rising fever, and an unrelenting cough. This sudden onset is one of the most recognizable features of the flu, and many people this year are surprised by how quickly symptoms take hold. Understanding why flu symptoms appear so abruptly, how to identify symptoms early, and how to protect yourself can make a significant difference in how you manage the illness.
If you’re feeling sick, it’s important to seek medical care earlier rather than later. The flu can be treated with antiviral medications in some cases, but they must be administered within 48 hours of symptom onset. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, we offer convenient flu symptom diagnosis and treatment on a walk-in basis at our clinic in Boston, MA. We’re open 7 days a week, and a convenient option for local college students at Boston College, Boston University, Suffolk, and Berklee! Walk in today, or save your spot online in advance using the button below.
Does the Flu Cause a Fever and Cough?
Unlike the common cold, which tends to develop gradually, the flu often strikes fast and hard. Once the influenza virus enters the body, it triggers a strong immune response. Fever occurs as the body raises its temperature to fight the infection, which is one of the first recognizable symptoms of the flu, along with fever, coughing, chills, body aches, and extreme fatigue may appear within hours.
Flu 2026 Symptoms
This year’s flu has been nicknamed the ‘super flu’ due to the high number of cases seen thus far. However, this flu season generally has the same symptoms as any other flu season, and has been associated with a combination of respiratory and systemic symptoms. Commonly reported symptoms include a high fever, dry or productive cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, muscle and joint pain, and overwhelming tiredness.
Does the Flu Shot Prevent the Flu Completely
Yes, the flu shot continues to play an important role in protection, even when flu strains vary year to year. While it may not completely prevent infection in every case, vaccination significantly lowers the risk of severe illness, complications, and hospitalization. This year’s ‘super flu’ has been said to have spread rapidly due to lowered overall vaccination rates, as well as a strain of flu that was not primarily addressed in the flu vaccine.
This being said, people who receive the flu shot often experience milder symptoms and recover more quickly than those who are unvaccinated. Getting the flu shot is a safe way to help reduce the chances of developing a severe case of the flu.
How to Protect Yourself from the Flu
Protecting yourself starts with good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and cover coughs and sneezes properly to avoid spreading germs to others. Staying well-rested, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress can also help strengthen your immune system. Most importantly, staying home when unwell reduces the spread of infection and protects others.
When to Seek Urgent Care for Flu Symptoms
You should seek medical care if you suspect that you have a case of the flu. While many flu cases can be managed at home, a high or persistent fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, confusion, or dehydration. Early evaluation ensures timely treatment, helps prevent complications, and reduces your risk of spreading your infection to others.
At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our walk-in urgent care clinic provides rapid care for flu symptoms, including rapid diagnostic testing and antiviral medication prescriptions when applicable. We’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, making it simple to receive prompt care when you’re feeling under the weather. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans, and we have affordable rates for self-pay patients. To learn more about the conditions we treat, call the clinic at (617) 869-0500.
